Previously, the council had said bus lanes would “reduce congestion and improve the environment”.

He has also said that this new lane is created through a redesign of the highway, without loss of road space for general traffic.

The westbound left turn lane onto Norcot Road has also been widened to help improve movements at the roundabout.

Detour routes have been established during the resurfacing works and the bus lane will open as soon as it is completed.

It is the second new bus lane to open on Oxford Road.

John Ennis, lead councilor for climate strategy and transport, said: “Busy Oxford Road is an integral part of Reading’s most used bus route, the Purple 17, which runs between east and west Reading throughout the day. every day.

“The introduction of these two new bus lanes will benefit many thousands of passengers whose journeys will now be smoother, as well as residents living in and around Oxford Road, by reducing congestion and the impacts of air pollution in health”.

Reading’s first new bus lane was introduced on London Road in August, but some residents have blamed it for congestion.