Oxford residents are set to benefit from a new infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and promoting sustainable travel. The Oxpens River Bridge, a key element of Oxford’s West End regeneration plan, will provide a much-needed pedestrian and cycle link over the River Thames, enhancing routes between the south and west of the city and the city centre.

The new bridge will enable pedestrians and cyclists to pass over from Osney Mead, cross through Oxpens meadow towards the ice rink and Westgate Shopping Centre.

Improving Accessibility and Reducing Congestion

The proposed bridge will play a vital role in increasing the proportion of journeys made by walking and cycling. According to Oxford City Council, the Local Walking Cycling Plan aims to increase cycle journeys in Oxford by 50% by 2031. The new bridge will support this goal by offering a safer, more direct route for cyclists and pedestrians, thus encouraging more residents to opt for sustainable travel modes.

Design and Environmental Considerations

Designed by Knight Architects, the grand bridge design will feature a shared-use path, accommodating both cyclists and pedestrians. The design takes into account the ecological and arboricultural importance of Grandpont, ensuring minimal impact on the park and its trees. The plans include replanting trees and understorey vegetation, with a focus on native species less susceptible to ash dieback, resulting in a net biodiversity gain.

Knight Architects have provided imagery of their plans. The main article image is the artists impression from the east side.

Below in the centre of the image is the area the bridge will be, close to the current railway bridge.

Proposals include widening the path to the west to 3.5m and reducing the steep gradient that exists to make it more accessible. They also include plans to replant trees and understorey vegetation, including introducing a wider range of native trees which will not be affected by the ash dieback affecting some of the existing trees at the park. Once built there will be more trees and vegetation than before and the tree canopy will not be reduced.

Planning and Public Consultation

The planning application for the bridge has undergone thorough ecological, environmental risk, arboricultural, and biodiversity assessments. Public consultations were held before the submission, ensuring community input was considered.

The location of the bridge was selected after exploring various options, with the current proposal deemed the most suitable based on factors like route directness, user experience, and floodplain impact.

Both the Gasworks Rail Bridge Castle and Mill Stream bridge were explored and agreed unsuitable for the aim.

Addressing Flood Risks

A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) was conducted to ensure the bridge does not exacerbate local flooding issues. The Environment Agency has reviewed and approved the FRA, confirming no added flood risk. The bridge will be connected to Oxpens Road by a flood-resilient route, ensuring accessibility even during high water levels.

Funding and Historical Context

The Oxpens River Bridge project is funded primarily through the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal, which allocated £150 million for infrastructure projects across the county. This funding approach aims to ensure that infrastructure developments precede residential growth, supporting the city’s expanding needs. The bridge proposal dates back to 2015 and has been a part of the successful Riverside Routes project funded by the Department for Transport. It is also embedded in the Oxford Local Plan, which highlights the need for enhanced connectivity and integration with the city centre.

For more information and updates on the Oxpens River Bridge project, visit the Oxford City Council website.

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