We are considering applying for planning permission to build a new bridge over the Thames at Newbridge to carry the A415.
Background information
Dating from the 13th Century, Newbridge is arguably the oldest original bridge in Oxfordshire, and yet despite having no significant modifications since its construction around 750 years ago, is still carrying A415 traffic across the River Thames today. Newbridge's multi-span gothic arch construction cannot be very precisely modelled, but using accepted assessment techniques has been found to be theoretically weak and so is now being closely monitored and is currently protected by a structural weight limit of 18 tonnes GVW (gross vehicle weight).
In managing the steadily increasing risk that this slowly deteriorating ancient bridge will pose, we have reached the conclusion that Newbridge can no longer be relied on to carry unrestricted A415 vehicular traffic safely in the medium and long term in its current form. As Newbridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, it benefits from statutory protection designed to protect its historic importance and so cannot be replaced, reconstructed or even easily strengthened unless absolutely necessary.
Oxfordshire County Council is Newbridge's owner and is also the highway authority, and as such we have a statutory duty not only to preserve this ancient monument's historic value, but also must ensure the safety of the road user. The weight restriction and an increased inspection regime is only an interim measure, we really need to find a satisfactory long-term solution.
Our proposals
A public exhibition was held at The Rose Revived at Newbridge to gain public opinion to shape the planning application. The exhibition ran from Thursday 26 November to Saturday 28 November 2009. There was a brochure with a questionnaire enclosed available at the exhibition. The consultation period has now closed (final date 24 December 2009), but you can download the exhibition information below.
Further information
We undertook a range of work to help us identify the best long-term solution for Newbridge. This included:
monitoring Newbridge's condition to confirm it remains safe to use, on the understanding that the current weight limit could be lowered still further if significant further deterioration occurs
looking in more detail at the assessment methods and bridge data used, and into whether there are any acceptable strengthening methods available
undertaking a study of all River Thames crossings west of Oxford to determine whether the A415 is the most appropriate route corridor to improve
looking into the feasibility of building a completely new crossing of the Thames in the vicinity that would allow A415 traffic to be permanently removed from Newbridge.
looking into the mitigation required along the A415 route if a new A415 Thames crossing was constructed that caused detrimental effects elsewhere on the route.
See the reports and documents below for more information.
The first stage study of possible solutions for a new river crossing, preferred bridge options under consideration, artist's impressions of these and a preliminary design layout.
An addendum report was produced in response to feedback following the release of the Stage 1 report above. It focuses on the conclusions in three particular chapters of the original document:
Two studies to establish the feasibility of strengthening the existing bridge at Newbridge and to assess the implications of strengthening this historic structure have been undertaken.
The Council has decided to defer any decision on how to progress with the bridge until the situation with funding transport schemes becomes clearer. We have to undertake a review of all capital projects within the county council. The consultation report can be found below, as can a Standlake Mitigation Measures report which stemmed from the consultation responses:
We will carry on with our current monitoring regime to ensure safety. However should there be any deterioration of the bridge we may well have to restrict traffic further. We have no plans to carry out any other strengthening works in the short term. There are also no plans to down grade the route. We will be revisiting the issue later in the year when the funding situation is clearer.
This page contains PDF documents that require Adobe Reader. Large files may be slow to download.
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