Construction on new river bridge begins

Residents have been warned that building works on a controversial £14m foot and cycle bridge over a river may be "disruptive".

Construction has begun on the Oxpens River Bridge in Oxford, which will provide a new crossing between Oxpens Meadow to Grandpont Nature Park, linking southern and western areas with the city centre.

Anna Railton, deputy leader of Oxford City Council, said: "The building work will be disruptive for some residents, but we will make every effort to keep this to a minimum during construction."

There have been a number of delays to building the bridge, including a judicial review brought by campaigners, which was dismissed in March 2025.

Railton, who is also the cabinet member for planning and zero carbon Oxford, said she was "pleased" to see work was under way.

She described the new bridge as 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 authority said it would "monitor the situation and minimise disruption as far as possible".

Construction company Jackson Civil Engineering has been preparing the site since the summer, closing two footpaths in the process.

It has installed tree protection fencing, stripped topsoil so it can be reused once works are complete, and prepared the working area so the foundations for the bridge can start, the council said.

The council believes the bridge will support a "new vibrant and accessible district that prioritises sustainable transport and green infrastructure".

Craig Eyles, senior project manager at Jackson Civil Engineering, agreed that the crossing would "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," he added.

Oxpens River Bridge was first granted planning permission in 2024.

But campaigners were concerned the development would destroy a section of woodland, and suggested a nearby bridge could be upgraded instead.

They also marched to Oxford County Hall with a petition.

But the city council said the new bridge over the River Thames was required due to redevelopments in the area, with the existing one was not be capable of serving its needs.

Work is expected to be completed in 2027.

The area will be restored with additional native trees and plantings, and with the installation of bird and bat boxes to protect the biodiversity of the area, the council said.