56 week closure of Oxford footpath delayed for two weeks

Preparation works for the new Oxpens River Bridge are set to begin imminently in Grandpont Nature Park, and a key footpath connecting North Hinksey to the city centre could close for more than a year to enable them to happen.

Originally scheduled to shut on Monday, August 3, the closure of the well-used path through Grandpont Nature Park has now been pushed back to Monday, August 17, according to signage displayed on the route.

The footpath through Grandpont will close for up to 56 weeks (Image: Newsquest)

On the other side of the river, the footpath through Oxpens Meadow was due to shut from Wednesday, July 29.

READ MORE: Oxford neighbourhood ‘cut off’ by 56-week footpath closure

Though an approved temporary traffic regulation order allows for a closure of up to 56 weeks, Oxford City Council said the paths are expected to reopen in Spring 2027.

A map of the path closures through Granpont Nature Park and Oxpens Meadow (Image: Oxford City Council)

The city council earlier said that while it recognises the paths are used as a diversion during the long-running Botley Road closure, waiting until it reopened would delay the delivery of the bridge project.

The Oxpens River Bridge is a controversial scheme to redevelop the Oxford West End, providing a new crossing for walkers and cyclists between Oxpens Road and Grandpont, which received significant opposition from locals.

The bridge’s construction is expected to be completed at the same time as the footpaths reopen in spring next year.