Oxford Footbridge Reopens After Nearly Three-Year Closure

A footbridge spanning the River Thames in Oxford has become accessible to the public once more, following a closure of nearly three years. Oxford City Council announced that the replacement work on the Gasworks Pipe Bridge, which connects the Isis towpath to Friars Wharf and St Ebbe’s in the city centre, was “successfully completed.” The council also noted that remaining tasks, including work around the site compound and the reinstatement of the towpaths, are scheduled for early January. Hinksey Park councillor Anna Railton commented that the bridge’s reopening serves as a “great Christmas present for many residents both sides of the river.” Refurbishment efforts on the structure commenced in October 2023, following its closure in March 2021 due to concerns about its potential collapse. The scope of work encompassed ground investigation, scaffold installation, deck removal, painting, brickwork repairs, and bearing renewals. The local authority had previously indicated that completion was not anticipated until the summer. Constructed in the 1920s, the bridge’s initial purpose was to transport a pipe for the St Ebbe’s gasworks site, which was subsequently converted into housing. The pipe was replaced by a footpath during the 1970s. The city council confirmed that the bridge has been de-jacked and reconnected to its abutments. It further stated that contractors B&M McHugh Ltd are scheduled to return to the location in early January to finalize remaining tasks, which involve restoring the towpath beneath the bridge and dismantling the site compound. Ms. Railton expressed her “delighted” reaction to the bridge being “finally reopened.” She added, “It’s also great to see a bit of South Oxford’s industrial heritage restored and looking good again.” The council extended its gratitude to the public for their “patience and cooperation.”