Restoration work on Oxford's Gasworks Pipe Bridge finally starts tomorrow after being delayed by a year.

The footbridge over the Thames shut in March 2021 after a survey found it could collapse.

The bridge, which links the Isis towpath with Friars Wharf and St Ebbe's in Oxford city centre, was due to be repaired in July but contractors said it was too weak to support the scaffolding.

The Environment Agency would only allow a lower structure to be built in the water once the boating season had ended.

The work will be carried out between 7am and 5pm and will include ground investigation, scaffolding installation, deck removal, painting, brickwork repairs and bearing renewals.

Oxford City Council said that some disturbance is unavoidable.

The towpath will remain open where possible, though some of the work being undertaken means there will be closures.

In a statement it said: "We are sorry for any disturbance and inconvenience this causes. All staff working on site are fully briefed on working responsibly in the local community and keeping noise levels to an absolute minimum level.

"Delivering the highest standards of safety is paramount to our work and keeping people safe on and around the footbridge is at the heart of everything we do. Often, work will to be carried out at night.

"We’re obliged to work whenever it is feasible to do so to ensure the job can be completed as soon as possible.

"Unfortunately, this means carrying out some of our improvements during the night or at weekends."

The city council’s contractor, B&M McHughes will start the essential work from October 11.

The works are not likely to finish until the summer of 2024. 

Councillor Ed Turner, cabinet member for finance and asset management, said: “With work now under way on the bridge residents will see tangible evidence that the restoration project is moving forward and that the bridge will be returned to full use as soon as possible.

“Meanwhile the council is continuing to take steps to ensure that the impact of the bridge closure is as limited as possible, including installing lighting columns and solar powered uplighters along the diversion route.”

The council said it will continue to keep local residents informed by letters and posts to the Gasworks Pipe Bridge webpage.

It was originally built in the 1920s to carry a pipe for the St Ebbe's gasworks site, which was later redeveloped for housing.

The pipe was replaced with a footpath in the 1970s.