Bridge repair work under way after two-year closure

The work is unlikely to finish until next summer, according to the council

Work to repair a River Thames footbridge that has been closed for more than two years has begun.

Gasworks Pipe Bridge links Isis towpath with Friars Wharf and St Ebbe's in Oxford city centre.

It was closed in March 2021 over fears it might collapse.

Oxford City Council said work to repair it was under way and "some disturbance" was "unavoidable".

The work includes ground investigation, scaffolding installation, deck removal, painting, brickwork repairs and bearing renewals.

The council said the towpath would remain open where possible, but added some closures were expected.

"We are sorry for any disturbance and inconvenience this causes," the authority added in a statement.

The bridge was closed following a survey

The council previously said the work was unlikely to finish until summer 2024.

The bridge 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.

Councillor Ed Turner, cabinet member for finance and asset management, said the council would ensure the impact of the bridge closure would be "as limited as possible".

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