Overview
In late 2023, Oxford City Council commissioned a consultant team to undertake a feasibility study and deliver a concept design for a new public bridge for walking, wheeling and cycling over the railway line.
The bridge would provide connectivity between Blackbird Leys to the south of the Cowley Branch Line and the communities and facilities to the north of the line, Tesco, Arc Oxford and the station platform of the proposed new Oxford Cowley Station.
Image of visualisation of bridge looking east
Optioneering (RIBA Stage 1)
The consultants developed several bridge options which were assessed against key selection criteria. These were reduced to two preferred options (Curving and Compact).
The two options were presented to stakeholders to review and agree on a preferred single option.
A final single preferred option (Curving) was selected and taken forward into concept design development (RIBA Stage 2) in early 2024.
Concept Design Proposal (RIBA Stage 2)
The preferred bridge option has a gently curving alignment that prioritises wider connections and ease of use for cyclists and wheelchair users.
It would sit entirely within Oxford City Council and Network Rail owned land.
The proposed bridge is a laminated timber and concrete construction supported on V shaped piers, with gentle approach ramps making it easy for cyclists and wheelchair users to access the bridge. Pedestrians will have access via separate stairs on both sides of the bridge.
The deck is proposed to be 4.0m wide which increases to 5.0m on the curving section over the railway line giving good forward visibility. Coloured surfacing would provide visual separation between users.
The bridge would have open and closed angled parapets which help to maximise visibility (open) at appropriate points and avoid overlooking adjacent houses and the railway line (closed), whilst still allowing views to wider connections.
The bridge proposals have been developed through continuous engagement with stakeholders through RIBA Stage 1 & 2 of the design process. The consultees include:
- Network Rail
- ARC Oxford
- OX Place
- Tesco
- 35th Oxford (Blackbird Leys) Scout
- County and City Councillors and officers
- Healthy Streets and Active travel groups
- City Council’s Inclusive Transport & Movement Focus Group
- Blackbird Leys Parish Council
Location
Open the Cowley Branch Line development location in Google Maps.
Funding
This commission has been funded as part of the wider “Reopening the Cowley Branch Line to passengers” project.
The delivery phase is still to be funded and the delivery of the bridge is subject to Planning Permission.
Project Timeline
Optioneering completed September 2023
Concept design completed March 2024
Key documents and websites
Cowley Branch Line pedestrian and cycle bridge RIBA 2 documents
Get involved
Further information about this project - including the full report - is available on request. Please contact cowleybranchline@oxford.gov.uk
