'Traffic chaos' warning as Kennington Rail Bridge proposal considered
Oxfordshire County Council are looking to demolish and replace the aging rail bridge
A fresh plan submitted to demolish and replace a major rail bridge just outside Oxford has prompted concern this will lead to "traffic chaos" in the city.
Oxfordshire County Council has agreed on its proposal for the Kennington Rail bridge, carrying the A423, which is being replaced due to its "poor condition".
Talks to replace the bridge have been underway for a few years now and the scheme would also include a shared path for walking and cycling, a new eastbound bus lane and increased capacity of the Hinksey streams to help reduce flooding.
There are fears motorists who use the city council’s Redbridge Park and Ride site may end up in traffic along with the tens of thousands of people who use the Oxford Ring Road every day.
An Oxford city council spokesman said in a consultee letter: "Officers advise that due consideration is given to the cumulative impact of the proposed works in relation to other existing and committed construction works within the city, in particular the closure of the Botley Road in order to manage the risk of serious disruption."
Labour councillor Susanna Pressel, who represents Oxford on both city and county level, said: "This massive project has been in the pipeline for years.
"The bridge needs to be replaced soon, but the work was delayed, so that it could tie in with the Environment Agency’s work on the new Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, which finally got planning permission last week, after many delays.
"The new channel will pass under the Kennington Bridge, so it makes sense for them to work together."
A planning report makes reference to potential increase in congestion in both Cowley and Headington under previous proposals but suggests this risk has now been mitigated.
Cowley Independent Oxford Alliance councillor Ian Yeatman, said: "These essential works were always going to lead to significant disruptions.
"When combined with recent traffic schemes and proposed traffic filters, the result will now be chaos in the surrounding areas.
"Residents of Cowley and Littlemore are increasingly frustrated by the endless traffic issues.”
Speaking of potential delays, Ms Pressel added: "The road over the bridge is a very busy section of the ring-road near Redbridge.
"“When I was first told about the bridge project, officers reassured me that the road would not need to be fully closed."
An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: "We are improving the Kennington stretch of the A423, by replacing the existing bridge structure and prioritising space for cycling, walking and public transport.
"We are currently waiting for an outcome from the planning application, originally submitted in February 2023.
"Following a detailed review of how the scheme could be constructed, undertaken by our appointed contractor earlier this year, we are now awaiting feedback from an additional 30-day consultation."