Calls to rethink Oxpens River Bridge as contractor withdraws
The bridge aims to provide a walking and cycling route linking Grandpont Nature Park to Oxpens Meadow
Calls to rethink major plans to build a £14 million bridge in Oxford are growing, following news that the contractor who was supposed to build it has withdrawn from the project.
The Oxpens River Bridge was granted planning permission last year and aims to provide a walking and cycling route linking Grandpont Nature Park to Oxpens Meadow, along with wider developments to west Oxford.
A recent government notice showed that Balfour Beatty, who were supposed to deliver the construction of the bridge, had withdrawn from the project.
The city council must now find a new contractor in time for construction works to begin early this year, so that the bridge can be craned into position in September 2026.
Councillor Chris Smowton, leader of the Lib Dem group on the city council, said the plans for the bridge should be rethought in light of the news.
He said: “It is deeply concerning that Balfour has abruptly abandoned the project, with the council urgently intervening to pay one of their subcontractors before it is even clear a replacement can be found, and with no opportunity to scrutinise why the original deal fell apart.
“Given these worrying circumstances, we must look with fresh eyes at the financial case for a bridge that only cuts 300 metres off a trip compared to the nearby old gasworks rail bridge.”
He added that the Lib Dems had highlighted other “badly-needed” infrastructure projects, such as the upgrades to Woodstock and Banbury Roads, a new crossing for the A40 at Barton Park, and crossing over the Thames at Jackdaw Lane for pedestrians and cyclists.
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for planning and culture, said: “The council has been out to tender for a contractor to deliver the Oxpens River Bridge, following the decision by Balfour Beatty not to take forward the project.
“Submitted tender returns are currently being assessed and it remains the intention to deliver the bridge in 2026.
“The bridge will provide an attractive walking and cycling route enhancing connectivity between the south and west of the city and the city centre.”
A spokesperson for the city council added: “The council is in the process of securing the funding required to undertake the construction of the bridge and this will be in place prior to entering a contract for its construction.
“Tender returns for the construction of the bridge are currently being considered and therefore it is too early to make a comparison of costs.”
The bridge was supposed to be completed this year, but it was held up by the legal challenge launched by Friends of Grandpont Nature Park.
The high court ruled in favour of the plans going forward in March.
Later in the summer, the city council revealed that the cost of the bridge had increased from £10.3 million to £14 million, due to delays caused by the legal challenge and inflated construction costs.
Funding for the bridge is being provided by Homes England and Housing and Growth Deal funding, but the city council still need to secure the extra £3.7 million needed from external providers.