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).
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.
Our completed reports and documents can be found on the Oxfordshire Highways website:
The consultation period has now closed. The closing date for the survey was 24 December 2009.
What happens next
Responses from the public will be analysed and published here in the new year. A report to our Cabinet will be written summarising the public’s view and the Cabinet will decide if the project should be taken forward and in what form. The Cabinet meeting where this is scheduled to be heard is 20 April 2010. Anyone wishing to speak at the Cabinet meeting needs to apply to Committee Services following the rules laid down
This page contains PDF documents that require Adobe Reader. Large files may be slow to download.
Back to top
