A crane on Osney Bridge is part of Thames Water's continuing works to replace damaged water mains and reinforce Osney Bridge in Oxford. 

The bridge was hit by an Environment Agency boat in June 2021.

The Government agency said one of its boats was heading to Osney Lock to remove an obstruction when it ‘accidentally’ caught a Thames Water pipe hanging down under the bridge.

Thames Water said due to the location and severity of the damage a simple repair wasn’t possible, and this led to the project being classed as a major scheme. 

A crane is working on Osney Bridge (Image: Ben Hardy)

Following the damage in 2021, Thames Water installed a temporary pipe to maintain water supply to over 22,500 customers.

This currently runs above ground in the cycle lane of Botley Road, across Osney Bridge. 

Structural issues with the northern footpath have caused significant delays and complications.

To replace the water mains safely, the water company had to reinforce the footpath and this required a lane closure on Botley Road at Osney Bridge.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We are lifting a new temporary pipe bridge into place as part of our three phase project to replace the damaged water mains pipe at Osney Bridge.”

The company confirmed this is phase one of the works (November 2024). Work is due to complete at the end of 2025.