Representatives from Oxfordshire County council have met with two Oxford MPs to discuss the ageing A423 Kennington rail bridge and its strategic importance to the city.
Councillor Judy Roberts, council officers and the Environment Agency met with Layla Moran MP and Anneliese Dodds MP to discuss the condition of the bearings, concrete and temporary propping beneath the bridge and the potential impact of future lane closures or weight restrictions.
The rail bridge is a key part of the southern bypass, carrying around 50,000 vehicles a day and connecting essential science, technology and business locations across Oxford. The bridge is also a crucial part of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, with its replacement designed to better allow flood water to pass through.
Oxfordshire County Council is working to secure central government funding for the bridge replacement after a £71 million funding gap was identified last year.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action said: “Replacing Kennington rail bridge is essential for the future resilience of our local road network and the continued growth of science and technology opportunities. Without its replacement, traffic crossing the bridge may be restricted, greatly impacting local businesses and residents.
“A new bridge is also a vital part of the Oxford Flood Alleviation scheme, with the bridge design allowing more capacity for flood water and working as part of the scheme to protect from future flooding.
“The support today from both MPs underlines our shared commitment to ensuring the bridge is replaced as soon as possible. We will continue to work with our MPs and other partners to secure central government funding.”
Layla Moran, the Oxford West and Abingdon MP, added: “Kennington Rail Bridge is absolutely critical to Oxford’s transport network and to major local projects like the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme and the Cowley Branch Line. If the bridge continues to deteriorate, the impact will be severe – restricting traffic, clogging up the local road network, and putting vital projects at risk.
“That’s why I’m making the strongest possible case to Government for the remaining funding needed to replace the bridge. The priority must be to act now, prevent disruption before it happens, and deliver a long-term solution for the whole of Oxford.”
MP for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds said: “As I’ve said in Parliament to Government ministers, the replacement of Kennington Rail Bridge is essential for local people to be able to keep getting around but also for local jobs, homes and our environment. I’ll keep pushing to ensure the bridge is replaced and the Oxford Flood Alleviation scheme is unlocked.”
Oxfordshire County Council wrote to the chancellor and the secretary of state for transport last year, emphasising the need for financial support from the Department for Transport’s new £1 billion Structures Fund to close a £71 million funding gap in the bridge replacement and improvement project.
The estimated full cost of the project, currently £180 million, has increased due to engineering challenges and inflation in the cost of construction materials. The remaining cost is being met by the council and the Environment Agency.
The rail bridge, built in 1965, needs to be replaced in a way that allows continued access, under traffic management, throughout the construction period.
A water main and fibre optic connections need to be diverted away from the bridge and overhead electricity cables need to be considered during work.
The site also includes a busy passenger and freight railway line and access needs to be planned carefully in advance.
If full funding is secured, Oxfordshire County Council plans to deliver a package of improvements including replacing the rail bridge, building better walking and cycling routes and a new eastbound bus and park and ride lane.
(Picture – Oxfordshire CC)
