Reading Bridge
Reading Bridge is a road bridge over the River Thames at Reading in the English county of Berkshire. The bridge links the centre of Reading on the south bank with the Lower Caversham area of the cross-river suburb, and former village, of Caversham on the north bank. It crosses the river a short way above Caversham Lock.
Reading Bridge | |
|---|---|
Reading Bridge viewed from the south bank | |
| Coordinates | 51°27′39.5″N 0°58′04.5″W |
| Carries | B3345 |
| Crosses | River Thames |
| Locale | Reading |
| Owner | Reading Borough Council |
| Maintained by | Reading Borough Council |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Arch |
| Total length | 180 feet (55 m) |
| Width | 40 feet (12 m) |
| Height | 18 feet (5.5 m) |
| No. of spans | 1 |
| Clearance below | 17 feet 8 inches (5.38 m) |
| History | |
| Construction start | March 1922 |
| Opened | 3 October 1923 |
| Location | |
The current bridge is the first on the site, and was opened on 3 October 1923. It has a single reinforced concrete main span of 180 feet (55 m), which was, at the time of construction, the longest such span in the United Kingdom. There are also two side arches for footpaths. The span rises to a height of 18 feet (5.5 m) at the centre, giving a navigation clearance of 17 feet 8 inches (5.38 m). The bridge deck is 40 ft (12 m) wide and carries a 27 ft (8.2 m) wide carriageway and two flanking footways.