The Gasworks Pipe Bridge, which links the Isis towpath with Friars Wharf and St Ebbe’s in Oxford city centre is closed due to concerns over its safety.
The following document assesses the structural loading capacity of the Gasworks Pipe Bridge and provides recommendations based on the findings within this report.
Gasworks Pipe Bridge Assessment Report - February 2021
A principal inspection of the Gasworks Pipe Bridge jointly commissioned by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council recommended that a structural assessment of the bridge deck (truss) be conducted which included the parapets and transverse precast concrete planks, due to their observed condition.
The assessment concluded that the truss, including its connections, has inadequate capacity to carry crowd loading in line with the current CS454 standard. As a result it was decided that the Pipe Bridge should be closed for the safety of the public.
Additionally the planks are showing signs of significant deterioration and are unsafe and the ramps are not fit for purpose considering current accessibility standards. There are concerns that the termination of both ramps could result in an accident between cyclists and pedestrians.
The report recommends that the bridge be demolished and replaced. Oxford City Council has now appointed a consultant to produce a detailed engineering and design-led options appraisal, which will inform a decision on whether the Pipe Bridge is replaced, or can actually be improved and retained. The completed options appraisal and likely costs should be available by October.
Latest news updates
Property Services successfully hosted an Information the August 2023 drop-in event for residents and interested parties. An exhibition gave the visitors a chance to learn about the fascinating history of the Pipe Bridge and get information about the current issues it’s facing, and the works being done to refurbish it.
Contractors B&M McHugh and technical experts Stantec were present and able to answer detailed questions about the works. Cllrs Waite and Railton were in attendance at the event and observed the large turnout for the exhibition and drop in session.
The event was well received by residents, with nearly 150 people attending and providing positive feedback.
The event was the first of its type. Similar events are being introduced for all key projects by Property Services to ensure that all relevant stakeholders, residents and tenants are kept fully informed on projects before they start and during the project.
October 2023
Work underway
The City Council’s contractor, B&M McHughes, will be starting essential work to refurbish the Gasworks Pipe Bridge from 11 October.
The towpath will remain open where possible, though some of the work being undertaken means it will have to be closed at some point.
The work will be carried out mostly between 7am and 5pm and will include ground investigation, scaffolding installation, deck removal, painting, brickwork repairs and bearing renewals. Due to the nature of the work some disturbance is unavoidable. We are sorry for any disturbance and inconvenience this causes. All staff working on site are fully briefed on working responsibly in the local community and keeping noise levels to an absolute minimum level.
Delivering the highest standards of safety and keeping people safe on and around the footbridge is paramount. Often, work needs to be carried at night. Unfortunately, this means carrying out some of our improvements during the night or at weekends.
December 2023
Gasworks pipe bridge: scaffolding in place
The Gasworks Pipe Bridge, a vital link connecting the towpath with Friars Wharf and St Ebbe’s in Oxford city centre, is temporarily closed due to safety concerns. Refurbishment work aimed at enhancing the structural integrity and overall condition of the bridge by the City Council's appointed contractor, B&M McHughes started in October.
Scaffolding has been completed and temporary strengthening work will soon be underway. Once this work is completed the full restoration work will begin.
The project is progressing on time and in line with a set timeframe, with work primarily taking place between 7 am and 5 pm though to ensure the completion of the refurbishment on time, it may be necessary to carry out certain activities during evenings or weekends. The nature of the work may cause some unavoidable disturbance, and the City Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause to the local community.
The Gasworks Pipe Bridge refurbishment project reflects the City Council's dedication to maintaining essential infrastructure. Regular updates on the progress of the refurbishment will be provided on the City Council’s Gasworks Pipe Bridge web page. The bridge is due to reopen in summer 2024.
For further information and inquiries regarding progress on the work please contact the B&M McHughes helpline on 020 885 97706.
January 2024
Bridge wrapping in place
The bridge has been wrapped in order to protect the environment from the blast cleaning process. This will strip the existing coat of paint from the bridge, allowing for repairs to take place. The blast cleaning process uses lead shot and so the wrapping will ensure that this does not pollute either the river or the surrounding environment.
We are pleased to confirm that the recent flooding has not majorly impacted the programme of works. The project remains on track to reopen in summer 2024.
March 2024
The Gasworks Pipe Bridge restoration moves to its next phase in March with the removal of the plastic wrapping that has encompassed the structure since January. The next phase will see works to repair the bridge's abutments. The project remains on track, meaning the bridge is still set to reopen in the summer of 2024.
Community safety information
School Journey via the Gasworks Railway Bridge
- Try to time your journey to make the most of the daylight.
- Plan your route beforehand if this is not a route you are familiar with.
- Younger children should always walk with an adult
- Older children to walk with a friend/groups when possible.
- Stick to the well-used footpath.
- Be visible – try to have some form of clothing, backpack or other item that is reflective as you walk.
- If dark, use a torch to help light the way and other people can see you.
- If walking next to the River, stay away from the edge and do not allow children to play next to the river edge
- Be aware that the path is shared with cyclists
- Older children walking to or retuning from school during hours of darkness should use Folly Bridge instead.
Personal safety at night
Stay on busy streets, in well-lit areas and avoid parks and the towpath, even if you are not alone. It is recommended that you use the Folly Bridge (Abingdon Road) instead of the Gas Works Rail Bridge to cross the River Thames late at night. This is a well-used, well observed and well-lit route.
- Plan your route before you set off
- Make sure someone knows where you are going, who you are meeting and what time you are expected to arrive at your destination
- Keep your mobile phone charged so that you can communicate at all times.
- Avoid listening to music using headphones as this can distract you and prevent you from hearing any potential danger signs
- Consider carrying a torch
- Keep valuables hidden. Try not to keep all your valuables in one place.
- Consider carrying a personal safety alarm
- Be alert to your surroundings - concentrate on where you’re going and what’s happening around you
FAQs
Why is the bridge shut?
The bridge was deemed unsafe for pedestrian traffic following a survey by qualified structural engineers. It has been closed to protect the public whilst assessment on most suitable course of action could be decided. A feasibility study was undertaken which ultimately recommended repair in lieu of replacement. Once this course of action was approved, the survey and design work commenced, followed by the procurement process to find a suitable contractor, which then triggered detailed design and detailed works proposals such as obtaining licences and permits, logistics and phasing of the works.
Why are the construction works now taking longer than previously advised?
The proposed works require a number of third party approvals to enable the works to commence which include; Agreements in Principle (AIP) of the design by Oxfordshire County Council, Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) by the Environment Agency and Footpath closure and diversions by Oxfordshire County Council. Some of the applications for approval could only be issued once a contractor was engaged, detailed design and logistical plans developed. Some of the processes take around 12 weeks from application to approval. Some of the proposed works have since had to be re-sequenced, to enable third party approvals, which has extended the programme.
Who is the EA and what is their role in this project?
The Environment Agency (EA) is an executive, non-departmental public body, responsible for creating better places for people and wildlife and to support sustainable development. They are the governing department who review and authorise proposed works on, over or around our waterways via a Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) to ensure that those works are undertaken at a time and in a way that mitigates risk to the waterways and its users and ensures environmental protection. As the bridge repair works fall into the above category, the EA will advise on when and how the works can be undertaken.
What is the boating season and why is it delaying the project?
Boating season as advised by the Environment Agency (Thames Waterways team) is scheduled each year between approximately April and November. It denotes a period where the river use is much greater. The Thames Waterways teams have raised a number of concerns surrounding the original works proposals which the team have to now consider and will ultimately impact when and how the works can be undertaken to the bridge.
We have been advised that the original proposed works and programme dates are not suitable because:
- the scaffolding required to provide a working platform under the bridge will reduce the soffit height to unacceptable levels.
- closing a section of river around the bridge would mean no through traffic on the southern cruising ring of the English waterways network during the most popular months.
- it would seriously impact on the economies of both the hire boat trade and riverside businesses in Oxford if this section of river were to close.
- following a review of whether a partial river restriction could be put in place to maintain navigation, the EA expressed health and safety concerns for the bridge operatives working underneath the bridge (e.g. protection against boat strikes) and river users (e.g. protection from overhanging scaffolding) as they have advised this section of river is difficult to navigate through in elevated flows. Novice boaters would find this very challenging with the channel narrowed by the works.
Are you able to do anything more to improve the diversion routes?
Unfortunately, the footpath diversions are as close to the original routes as reasonably possible. Over the course of the works should it be able to improve on these diversions, the project team will endeavour to achieve this.
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