Diversion in place as Oxford footbridge closes for safety reasons
The Cottesmore footbridge, used by pedestrians and cyclists to cross the A4142 Eastern Bypass, near the Heyford Hill roundabout, has been closed for safety reasons.
The footbridge, which connects Cottesmore Road to Thomson Terrace and links to the Sainsbury’s supermarket, was closed after Oxfordshire County Council inspectors identified safety concerns with the structure.
A diversion route for pedestrians will be in place via the Rose Hill subway on a street-lit route, without any steps. An alternative shorter route to Sainsbury’s via the pedestrian crossing adjacent Heyford Hill roundabout is available but involves steps or a steep ramp and is not all lit at night.
Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We appreciate how popular this footbridge is, and how important it is for the communities of Rose Hill and Littlemore.
“However, our top priority is always the safety of the public, and we will not compromise on that. The decision to close the bridge has not been taken lightly, but it was the only option in the circumstances.”
Engineers from the council and its principal highways contractor M Group will now consider options to determine the best plan of action for the footbridge for the long term.
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