Oxfordshire footbridge over A-road a collapse risk for years

The post-tensioned footbridge, which spans the busy A4142 Oxford Eastern Bypass, was built in 1963 and provides a route for pedestrians and cyclists.

However, a structural review completed in April 2026, classified it as an “immediate risk” and recommended its closure.

Cuttesmore footbridge highlighted in red on Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

Engineers identified serious issues with the bridge’s concealed post-tensioning system and critical half-joint supports, holding the central span above the dual carriageway.

Inspectors reported “synchronous resonance of the bridge bouncing to footfall”, which it said could result in “sudden shear failure”.

READ MORE: Footbridge across A4142 closes for safety concerns

The report warned that corrosion, water ingress, and deterioration of hidden components may have significantly weakened the structure, making it “unable to resist accidental impact forces”.

Failure of these key elements could lead to its collapse posing risks to both bridge users and traffic travelling at speeds of up to 50mph beneath it.

Cottesmore footbridge (Image: Google Maps)

Freedom of Information documents show that concerns about the bridge date back several years.

Complaints about noticeable “bouncing” were recorded as early as May 2023, while intrusive investigations in 2012 had already identified corrosion and deterioration affecting the post-tensioning system.

A detour pedestrians and cyclists face because of the Cottesmore footbridge closure (Image: Google Maps)

A 2015 assessment deemed the bridge “provisionally sub-standard” and highlighted vulnerabilities, including concerns that the south pier could not adequately withstand vehicle impact.

At that stage, demolition had already been discussed as a long-term option.

More recent disclosures reveal that engineers first recommended closing the bridge on April 22.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire bridge closure comes as management ‘weaknesses’ found

However, it remained open while Oxfordshire County Council explored alternatives, including further investigations and the installation of temporary fail-safe supports.

Contractors advised that additional intrusive investigations could take at least six months to arrange and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

More recently, proposals for a temporary support system were also ruled out due to the impracticability of the carriageway before and lack of suitable attachment options.

The final decision to close the bridge was made on May 11, 22 days after an Oxfordshire County Council risk review recommended its closure.

READ MORE: Anger as Oxford footbridge closure causes one-mile detour

Consideration was given to a public press release on May 12, but its was “considered that it would be too complicated to explain why the bridge was being kept open after it had been determined that it was unsafe”.

Ultimately, the bridge was closed on May 15 when signs and barriers were installed and the public were informed.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: “The decision to close this popular footbridge was not taken lightly but the safety of the public will always be our top priority.

“This structure has been under review for several years.

“Once it was determined that the structure was no longer safe, following a recent risk review, it was closed.”