A scheme to refurbish two bridges in University Parks has won a coveted Oxford Preservation Trust Award in recognition of its historically sensitive approach. 

The restoration of the Lemond and Fignon Footbridges was completed last year by Milestone Infrastructure on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, ensuring a safe route for walkers and cyclists while preserving the historic integrity of the bridges. 

Built in 1949, Fignon Footbridge is the first structure in the UK to incorporate post tensioned portal arch beams and is classified as a Grade II Listed Building. 

Prior to refurbishment, Fignon bridge’s concrete deck was in poor condition and at risk of collapse under crowd loading. River users were also at risk of concrete falling from the soffit.

The deck was replaced with a high-performance Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer deck.

This ensured the bridge’s ongoing service whilst avoiding damage to the historically sensitive beams. 

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Lemond Footbridge before the work (Image: Oxfordshire County Council) Lemond Footbridge is a steel beam bridge clad in timber with timber parapets, built in 1992 to accommodate the cycle path.

At the beginning of the project, the bridge was in poor condition with rotting timber elements posing a significant risk to users. It was also disconcertingly ‘bouncy’ when joggers passed over it.

The scheme was completed under closure of the cycle path. Milestone liaised closely with county and city councillors, the university and residents to provide a volunteer marshalled diversion route for school children, demonstrating a commitment to minimising disruption and ensuring safety.

Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management, said: “A great deal of effort went into this project, which secured this vital route for future users. So it is wonderful to be honoured with this award in recognition of the quality of the work, which was completed ahead of schedule and has improved the route for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Richard Lovewell, Milestone Infrastructure business director, said: “We’re thrilled to have been recognised by the Oxford Preservation Trust for this project.

"We worked with Oxfordshire County Council to design a solution that not only improved the safety of the bridges but also protected their historical value, made it easier to maintain them in the future and resolved the previous ‘bounciness’ problem that had long been an issue for Lemond bridge.

"We hope these historic footbridges will be of service to people of Oxfordshire for many years to come.”

The Oxfordshire Preservation Trust (OPT) is an independent local charity, dedicated to the conservation and sustainable enhancement of Oxford.

The annual OPT Awards Scheme celebrates projects across the city that embody the best in conservation and new design and make a significant contribution to Oxford’s character and communities.

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby