Construction work has officially begun on the Oxpens River Bridge in Oxford.
The new bridge is a key infrastructure project, which will provide a new fully accessible crossing of the river for walkers and cyclists between Grandpont and Oxpens, linking areas to the south and west with the city centre.
Since work started in the summer, Jackson Civil Engineering has been preparing the site for development to start. They have installed tree protection fencing, stripped topsoil so that it can be reused once works are complete and formed the working area so the piled foundations for the bridge can start. On the southern side of the site, trial holes have been made to locate and confirm the position of existing data cables.
The Council expects work to be complete in 2027. It acknowledges there will be some disruption in the while work is taking place and will continue to monitor the situation and minimise disruption as far as possible. Alternative footpath routes will be available while the work takes place, these routes will be signed and available on the Oxpens River Bridge project webpage.
Last week, Councillor Anna Railton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Zero Carbon Oxford, along with other ward councillors visited the site to meet the team and see the progress to date.
Benefits of the new bridge
The Oxpens River Bridge is a central element of the wider Oxford West End regeneration programme, helping to support a new vibrant and accessible district that prioritises sustainable transport and green infrastructure.
By improving walking and cycling connections, the bridge will help reduce car dependency, cut carbon emissions, and provide more options for residents to travel sustainably around the city.
In addition to the benefits the bridge will bring on completion, Jackson Civil Engineering has committed to supporting the local area with lower carbon construction operations, opportunities to work with local schools and to support local organisations.
They will be working with nearby schools offering careers advice; promoting the study of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, maths) to students: and supporting local charities.
On completion of the new bridge, the area will be restored with additional native trees and plantings and installing bird and bat boxes to protect the biodiversity of the area.
More information, including frequently asked questions about the Oxpens River Bridge project can be found on the Oxpens River Bridge project webpage.
For queries related to the construction works please email the City Council’s appointed contractor Jackson Civils Engineering.
Comment
“I’m pleased to see work underway on the new Oxpens River Bridge, a vital piece of infrastructure to improve sustainable travel in the city and connect residents in the south and west of the city with the city centre.
"The building work will be disruptive for some residents, but we will make every effort to keep this to a minimum during construction.”
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for Planning and Zero Carbon Oxford
“We are proud to be supporting Oxford City Council in constructing this foot and cycle bridge that will encourage sustainable transport and green travel. In addition, we look forward to adding value to the community while we are here through our work with schools and local charities.”
Craig Eyles, Senior Project Manager at Jackson Civil Engineering
