Oxford bridge to get weight limit after structure concerns

The county council says engineers have "carefully studied" the results of monitoring work on Donnington Bridge in Oxford and that the new rules are now being put forward as a "precautionary measure" due to the condition of its structure.

A structural weight limit initially restricting the maximum weight of vehicles to 7.5 tonnes is to be implemented and will take effect from Tuesday, 20 August, affecting bus services.

Andrew Gant. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

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Cabinet member for transport management, Andrew Gant, said: "We will progress this issue as quickly as we can as we are conscious that it’ll create disruption for larger vehicles. We’ll be guided by the experts in terms of what happens next and we will keep the public fully informed.”

Other local councillors have weighed in with their thoughts on the restrictions with some raising concerns about the impact.

Labour county councillor for the Isis division, Brad Baines, said: "I am extremely concerned by proposals to implement a 7.5 tonne restriction on Donny Bridge from tomorrow (Tuesday, August 20). 

Brad Baines. (Image: Contribution.)

"This will sever the No.46 bus route connecting Templars Square, Donnington and South Oxford. Plus why are we finding out so late?

"If a survey was undertaken earlier this year, why were local councillors or Oxford City Council not informed of its findings - especially if it had such major implications? Why were contingency plans not drawn up further in advance?

Oxfordshire County Council says “the results of our monitoring and reviewing of the bridge became clear in recent days" and it has "responded quickly to impose the weight restriction”.

The authority added it had been liaising with bus companies.

Green Donnington ward councillor Rosie Rawle said: "Engineering inspections are important for ensuring our roads and bridges are safe for use, and it is a good thing that the county council is responsibly following recommendations from engineers to impose a structural weight limit on Donnington Bridge as a precaution until the full structure is reviewed.

Rosie Rawle. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"However, it is concerning that, in an area that is already not well served by local buses, two vital routes will be adversely affected.

"Moving forward, we need solutions for residents who could otherwise be cut off from easily traveling by bus between the east and south of the city, which could, for example, involve minibus shuttle services."

An Oxford City Council spokesman said: "Clearly safety must come first, but we are sure residents will be concerned about this further disruption to the road network in Oxford.

Donnington Bridge.

"It is therefore crucial that we receive reassurance that bus journeys are not overly delayed as a result of this diversion and that the county council is working with the bus companies to explore all possibilities for maintaining the bus routes in the face of the weight restriction.

"As we are being told that it will take several months to complete the structural surveys, we are now seeking urgent reassurance that these will be treated as a priority and conducted as quickly as possible."

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi