AN HISTORIC Oxford bridge will today close for at least four weeks after being partially demolished in a hit-and-run car crash.

Part of the parapet of Godstow Bridge, over the Thames near Wolvercote, collapsed and fell into the river after being hit by a Nissan Maxima at about 2.15am on Saturday.

The car was abandoned nearby, but a police search of the area failed to find the driver or any passengers.

Pedestrians will still able to cross while contractors deal with the substantial damage to the grade II listed bridge, but motorists will be forced to follow a diversion to the village of Wytham, via the A34.

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Marcus Mabberley said: “A 10m length of solid stonework parapet on the downstream side has been demolished down to carriageway level.

“The remaining sections at each end have been partially destabilised, meaning it is likely they will have to be taken down and rebuilt.

“Because of the narrow width of the bridge – about 10ft – it is not possible to put in more substantial temporary barriers without reducing the width of the road to a point where vehicles could damage the opposite parapet, hence the reason for closure.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s heritage website reveals the north arch is believed to be medieval, while the south arch was rebuilt in 1892. Reports suggest the bridge was in existence as early as 1692.

The older part crosses the original course of the river near The Trout Inn. The south arch is thought to have been built across the new lock in 1792.

Tony Joyce, chairman of the Oxford Civic Society, said: “It is an absolute disaster. It is very sad.

“I’m sure that there have been thousands of people over the years who have enjoyed the view of this beautiful bridge while sipping a pint on the terrace of the Trout Inn.”

It is not yet known how much repairs will cost.

Oxfordshire county councillor for Wolvercote and Summertown, Jean Fooks said: It is a renowned part of the city with a strong heritage. We are all very distressed about this.”

John Goddard, Oxford city councillor for Wolvercote, called for repairs to start “as soon as possible”.

He added: “I would like the bridge to be rebuilt as near as possible to its original state.”

Dennis Fogden, 74, of Eynsham, a customer at the Trout for 57 years, helps to maintain the structure. He said: “I was one of the first people to find the bridge on Saturday morning. It was in a terrible state. There were skid marks on the road, but I don’t really know what happened."

He wants the county council to include the original keystone which was damaged in the crash.

He said: “It is engraved with the city of Oxford emblem, which is very traditional. I hope it will be an important part of the bridge when it is repaired.”

Anyone with information about the crash should call police on 08458 505505.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk