ITEM EN9(b)
ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMY SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 21 MAY 2008
UPDATE ON A415 NEWBRIDGE AND THE STUDY OF THAMES CROSSINGS WEST OF OXFORD
Update by Head of Transport
Study of the Thames Crossings West of Oxford
This study is looking at the current issues relating to bridge crossings of the Thames upstream and to the west of Oxford. The aim is to analyse what constraints currently exist in terms of their capacity to carry vehicles and what role each should play in the strategic routing of traffic in Oxfordshire.
The bridges being assessed are;
B4044, Swinford Toll Bridge
A415, Newbridge
Tadpole Bridge
Each of these has some form of constraint on its use whether it is reduced capacity because of width and/or a reduced capacity because of weight restriction.
The following is the current position:
In addition officers are carrying out work to look at the longer term effect of leaving these restrictions in place and the potential for upgrading or replacing these bridges to allow free flow of vehicles. There are a number of permutations of this that are being looked at. Clearly the wider transport impact of vehicles diverting to less appropriate or more appropriate routes is being assessed.
It is anticipated that this work will be completed during June 2008 and will then be reported to the Cabinet Member for Transport to determine which, if any of the options are to be taken forward.
A415, Newbridge
This bridge is currently subject to a structural weight restriction of 18 tonnes with no exemptions. This is due to inherent weaknesses in the structure.
Newbridge is a Listed structure and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The County Council’s bridge engineers are of the view that because of its historical significance it is not possible to strengthen the bridge and any possible techniques are as yet unproven on a structure of this age. However discussions are taking place with English Heritage to ascertain their view on the acceptability of strengthening.
Following a decision by the Cabinet Member for Transport, officers are progressing the design of a replacement structure. This will require a planning application to be submitted including the need for a full environmental assessment. The above study work will also help to advise the cabinet Member on the need for this replacement or whether there are alternatives. This will also help to support a planning application if this is the desired course of action.
This work is to provide a replacement bridge which maintains the current constraint on the route through use of traffic signals and a reduced carriageway width. It is however intended to construct a full width bridge which could, in the future, allow two way traffic subject to the provision of other capacity improvements along the corridor such as a Marcham Bypass, revised Frilford junction and Standlake Bypass.
STEVE HOWELL Head of Transport
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