Marston cycle path to be closed for 10 weeks for refurbishment of bridges
Cyclists are being asked to plan for alternative routes between Marston and Oxford city centre while Marston cycle path is closed for an estimated 10 weeks from 14 August.
Oxfordshire County Council is carrying out essential refurbishment work to Lemond and Fignon cycle bridges, which carry Marston cycle path over two arms of the River Cherwell, to the south of University Parks.
The bridges have not received significant maintenance work since the cycle path was first built more than 30 years ago.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “The last thing we would want to do is to close a cycle path for any length of time, but we have no choice in this case.
“Full refurbishment of the bridge is required to avoid the risk of emergency closures in the future and to safeguard the use of the cycle path for many years to come.
“We appreciate how inconvenient this will be for users so both bridges will be refurbished at the same time to reduce the length of the closure, and we will reopen the cycle path as soon as possible if the work is completed sooner than anticipated.”
The deck on Fignon Cycle bridge will be replaced as the existing structure is in poor condition and poses a risk to cyclists and pedestrians using the bridge, and boaters passing beneath it.
The deck and parapets of Lemond footbridge will be replaced as these have deteriorated significantly and will soon be unserviceable. The parapet will also be strengthened and stiffened to reduce the amount of bounce when used by joggers.
Alternative cycle routes are available via Magdalen Bridge, which is the shortest route, and via Marston Ferry Road, which uses quiet roads and segregated cycle paths.
Mesopotamia Walk and University Parks will remain open to pedestrians during daylight hours as usual. These routes are not appropriate for cyclists and cyclists are urged not to use them. Download the attached map for more details.
The county council leases Marston cycle path and the two bridges from owners Oxford University. Under this agreement, the council is responsible for the maintenance of the bridges and the work is being carried in agreement with the university.
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