Oxpens (River Thames) bridge consultation

A new pedestrian and cycle bridge that will provide a new crossing of the Thames is being planned for construction. The bridge will provide an attractive route for people from the west and south of the city to and from the city centre.

Subject to approvals, construction work on the bridge is expected to start later in 2024, with the bridge scheme expected to be completed in 2025.

The scheme, which is being delivered by Oxford City Council, will provide a link for local people, including those in proposed new developments at Osney Mead and Oxpens, offering quick and safe walking and cycling routes, helping to reduce congestion in and around Oxford city centre.

Consultation on the planning application was conducted by Oxford City Council. A resolution to grant planning approval on 19 March 2024, was ratified by Oxford City Council Planning Review Committee on 18 April 2024, a legal agreement must be completed before the planning permission is issued.

Further information

Oxfordshire County Council have a duty to consult with stakeholders on any new structures over navigable waterways as the Local Highway Authority. The outcome of the consultation is determined by the Secretary of State. In taking a decision to confirm the scheme, the Secretary of State’s principal consideration is to consider how navigation of the Thames is affected by the proposed Oxpens River Thames Bridge

Funding is being provided through the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal (HGD), for which Oxfordshire County Council is the overseeing authority. The structure is being developed and delivered by Oxford City Council. Upon completion it is expected that the county council will adopt and maintain the bridge going forwards.

Further details of the project can be found on the city council webpage https://www.oxford.gov.uk/building-projects/oxpens-river-bridge

The 6-week consultation will start on 2 May and will close on 14 June at 11.59 pm

You are invited to view the plans of the bridge and documents which can be found in documents section of this page.

Alternatively, paper versions can also viewed at the following locations:

1. Oxfordshire County Council, County Hall, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1ND,
2. Oxford City Council, Town Hall, St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1BX,
3. Oxford Westgate Library, Queen Street, Westgate, Oxford, OX1 1DJ,
4. Department of Transport, National Transport Casework Team, Tyneside House, Skinnerburn Road, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 7AR.

How to respond

If you have objections to Oxpens (River Thames) Bridge, written objections to the scheme should be sent to the Secretary of State and can be submitted in the following ways:

Post:

Secretary of State,

National Transport Casework Team,

Tyneside House,

Skinnerburn Road,

Newcastle Business Park,

Newcastle upon Tyne,

NE4 7AR

Email:

NATIONALCASEWORK@dft.gov.uk

Quote the name of the scheme (Oxpens River Thames Bridge Scheme) on all correspondence.

Objections must be received by 14 June 2024.

Please refer to the public notice for further details regarding the submission of any objections.

Next steps

After the 6-week consultation, the Secretary of State will decide whether or not to confirm the bridge scheme. If objections are raised, the Secretary of State can choose to hold a local inquiry. The Secretary of State will write to Oxfordshire County Council to confirm their decision and the result will be made public.