Disruption as Oxfordshire road bridge closing for 10 weeks

Oxfordshire County Council has announced that from September 28 to November 20 Islip Bridge will be shut to all motor vehicles.

A signed diversion route will be in place, although pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained at all times.

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Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways construction and repair, said: “The work is needed because the bridge has deteriorated due to higher traffic volumes, including heavier vehicles.

“Action is required to protect the bridge and ensure safe use for everyone.

“We appreciate that the scheme is likely to cause significant disruption, but we will endeavour to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible.”

Islip Bridge will be closed for 10 weeks (Image: OCC)

The first phase from September 21 to September 25 will involve temporary traffic signals for preparation works before the full closure goes ahead.

The work will include the installation of permanent three-way traffic signals controlling vehicle movements across Islip Bridge and the narrowing of the carriageway to three metres to protect the bridge structure.

A new 1.5 metre-wide footway on the west side of the bridge will be installed as will traffic calming on the southern approach.

Islip Bridge will be closed for 10 weeks (Image: OCC)

Drainage repairs, resurfacing, footway improvements and new road markings will also be carried out, while Mill Street will be made one-way in advance of the scheme.

Staff will be present at either end of the bridge during the closure to manage safety and provide assistance.

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Access to nearby properties and businesses will be accommodated where possible, although short delays may occur.

In addition during the bridge closure, the H5 bus service between Bicester and the John Radcliffe Hospital will serve Islip from the north and then follow the diversion via Kidlington Road, Bicester Road, A40, to Barton and vice versa. 

A shuttle service will operate between Barton and the bus stop on the south side of the bridge.