Relief for drivers as lights finally removed at Reading West station

The two-way traffic lights were installed in Oxford Road underneath the railway bridge in August 2021.

The lights were in place so work could take place on a permanent building for Reading West station as part of a £3.3 million upgrade.

This caused long delays at peak time as car, bus and van drivers queued during peak hours waiting for the lights to turn green.

But the traffic lights were finally seen removed on Monday, November 20, causing residents to celebrate.

Twitter/X user @eleanorc said: “Oh my God it’s a Christmas miracle.

“The ‘temporary’ traffic lights on the Oxford Road by Reading West train station are finally goneeeee. After surely over two years?!!!”

Meanwhile, John King, posting on the private Facebook group Old Reading Plus said: “The traffic lights have gone… after two years. I’m missing them already.”

It is understood the new station building will be opened early next year.

A spokesperson for the Great Western Railway (GWR) stated that no firm completion date has been yet, with the opening being subject to Office of Rail and Road approval.

Meanwhile, work continues on the finishing touches to the building.

Members of the council’s Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport committee received an update on the upgrade at a meeting on Wednesday, November 15.

The report stated the new entrance and gateline at the Tilehurst Road entrance has been completed and will be opened by GWR.

The station is a stop on the Taunton to Reading and Reading to Basingstoke railway lines operated by GWR.