A railway footbridge in Wokingham will open next month, but residents say it is ‘very disappointing’ that there seems to be no disabled access.

The bridge has been built straddling two railway lines, situated between the Ormonde Road allotments and the Carnival car park.

It comes in replacement of two bridges – a temporary scaffold one, and a permanent concrete one.

Network Rail wanted to replace these with a single bridge which it says could last up to 120 years.

In February 2023, Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee said that Network Rail should consider a redesign to make the bridge more accessible for disabled and bike users.

Network Rail agreed to work with Wokingham Borough Council to provide ramped access in the future.

But as it will be ready for use in early November, pictures show that the bridge is yet to have such accessible features.

Documents submitted by Network Rail during the planning process showed that those who could not use the bridge would have to take a 13-minute diversion through Ormonde Road, Barkham Road and Wellington Road.

Wokingham Borough Council says that the project has faced delays after one of the suppliers fell into administration earlier in the year.

Residents have said it is ‘very disappointing’ that no accessible features seem to be on the bridges.

A petition against the design had gained more than 300 signatures last year, organised by the Wokingham active travel community hub.

Wokingham Borough Council and Network Rail have been approached for comment