Oxford,
06
July
2020
|
14:40
Europe/London

Plan ahead for Kennington Bridge work

Road users are being advised to plan their journeys and consider the need to travel as far as possible ahead of work starting on a key strategic route around Oxford this month.

Contractors working for Oxfordshire County Council will be carrying out stabilisation measures through further propping on the A423 bridge at Kennington from 20 July. As part of the work, the A423 exit to the junction with Kennington Road will be closed until 30 October.

The bridge spans two watercourses and four railway lines. It is also crossed by high voltage overhead powerlines and the has a Thames Water main incorporated into the structure making carrying out works complicated.

The propping is being done as part of a long-term project to completely replace the bridge which has reached the end of its life. 

Plan your journeys

Disruption is expected to be moderate and most of the work will be carried out under the bridge and will not be visible to members of the public. Temporary road closures will be needed for short periods to enable contractors to jack the bridge up to enable them to install the relevant propping.

People are being advised to consider if they need to travel and if they do plan their journeys and use alternative modes of transport or other routes if possible.

County Councillor Liam Walker, Cabinet member for Highway Operation and Delivery said: “There will undoubtedly be disruption when the work is done, but it is good news as it signals the start of the bridge replacement and also work that will enable the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme to move forward.

“What lockdown has shown us is that many people can reduce their reliance on car travel either by using more sustainable modes or working from home. I hope that people continue to do this as the benefits for everyone are significant – less traffic means less congestion, safer roads and reduced pollution.

“Having said that, we understand that the A423 will continue to be a key strategic route for many people and that is why we are doing what we can to reduce delays as far as we possibly can.”

Work on the full bridge replacement is expected to start in Spring/ Summer 2022. Updates on progress and any work affecting the road and rail will be posted on this page: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/roadworks/major-current-roadworks/a423-kennington-bridge-works