The Gasworks Pipe Bridge, which links the Isis towpath with Friars Wharf and St Ebbe’s in Oxford city centre is closed due to concerns over its safety.
The following document assesses the structural loading capacity of the Gasworks Pipe Bridge and provides recommendations based on the findings within this report.
Gasworks Pipe Bridge Assessment Report - February 2021
A principal inspection of the Gasworks Pipe Bridge jointly commissioned by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council recommended that a structural assessment of the bridge deck (truss) be conducted which included the parapets and transverse precast concrete planks, due to their observed condition.
The assessment concluded that the truss, including its connections, has inadequate capacity to carry crowd loading in line with the current CS454 standard. As a result it was decided that the Pipe Bridge should be closed for the safety of the public.
Additionally the planks are showing signs of significant deterioration and are unsafe and the ramps are not fit for purpose considering current accessibility standards. There are concerns that the termination of both ramps could result in an accident between cyclists and pedestrians.
The report recommends that the bridge be demolished and replaced. Oxford City Council has now appointed a consultant to produce a detailed engineering and design-led options appraisal, which will inform a decision on whether the Pipe Bridge is replaced, or can actually be improved and retained. The completed options appraisal and likely costs should be available by October.
Latest news updates
Property Services successfully hosted an Information the August 2023 drop-in event for residents and interested parties. An exhibition gave the visitors a chance to learn about the fascinating history of the Pipe Bridge and get information about the current issues it’s facing, and the works being done to refurbish it.
Contractors B&M McHugh and technical experts Stantec were present and able to answer detailed questions about the works. Cllrs Waite and Railton were in attendance at the event and observed the large turnout for the exhibition and drop in session.
The event was well received by residents, with nearly 150 people attending and providing positive feedback.
The event was the first of its type. Similar events are being introduced for all key projects by Property Services to ensure that all relevant stakeholders, residents and tenants are kept fully informed on projects before they start and during the project.
October 2023
Work underway
The City Council’s contractor, B&M McHughes, will be starting essential work to refurbish the Gasworks Pipe Bridge from 11 October.
The towpath will remain open where possible, though some of the work being undertaken means it will have to be closed at some point.
The work will be carried out mostly between 7am and 5pm and will include ground investigation, scaffolding installation, deck removal, painting, brickwork repairs and bearing renewals. Due to the nature of the work some disturbance is unavoidable. We are sorry for any disturbance and inconvenience this causes. All staff working on site are fully briefed on working responsibly in the local community and keeping noise levels to an absolute minimum level.
Delivering the highest standards of safety and keeping people safe on and around the footbridge is paramount. Often, work needs to be carried at night. Unfortunately, this means carrying out some of our improvements during the night or at weekends.
December 2023
Gasworks pipe bridge: scaffolding in place
The Gasworks Pipe Bridge, a vital link connecting the towpath with Friars Wharf and St Ebbe’s in Oxford city centre, is temporarily closed due to safety concerns. Refurbishment work aimed at enhancing the structural integrity and overall condition of the bridge by the City Council's appointed contractor, B&M McHughes started in October.
Scaffolding has been completed and temporary strengthening work will soon be underway. Once this work is completed the full restoration work will begin.
The project is progressing on time and in line with a set timeframe, with work primarily taking place between 7 am and 5 pm though to ensure the completion of the refurbishment on time, it may be necessary to carry out certain activities during evenings or weekends. The nature of the work may cause some unavoidable disturbance, and the City Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause to the local community.
The Gasworks Pipe Bridge refurbishment project reflects the City Council's dedication to maintaining essential infrastructure. Regular updates on the progress of the refurbishment will be provided on the City Council’s Gasworks Pipe Bridge web page. The bridge is due to reopen in summer 2024.
For further information and inquiries regarding progress on the work please contact the B&M McHughes helpline on 020 885 97706.
January 2024
Bridge wrapping in place
The bridge has been wrapped in order to protect the environment from the blast cleaning process. This will strip the existing coat of paint from the bridge, allowing for repairs to take place. The blast cleaning process uses lead shot and so the wrapping will ensure that this does not pollute either the river or the surrounding environment.
We are pleased to confirm that the recent flooding has not majorly impacted the programme of works. The project remains on track to reopen in summer 2024.
March 2024
The Gasworks Pipe Bridge restoration moves to its next phase in March with the removal of the plastic wrapping that has encompassed the structure since January. The next phase will see works to repair the bridge's abutments. The project remains on track, meaning the bridge is still set to reopen in the summer of 2024.
May 2024
The project is entering its final stages, and we would like to share some important developments with you.
The ‘above water’ work on the bridge has been successfully completed, ensuring the stability of the bridge’s steels structure and marking a significant milestone in the project. Although the bridge looks as if it could be opened there is still work to do.
Now, our focus shifts to the crucial task of repairing the bridge abutments. These are the brick piers on either side of the river which provide essential support to the bridge. Ensuring their integrity is paramount for the continued safety of the bridge.
The bearings on which the bridge sits and which enable movement, have been designated to be replaced. This means that now the bridge is secured, it can be lifted to allow for these bearings to be removed and their replacements installed.
For this to take place we will first have to complete the next phase of work to strengthen the ground around the bridge so that it can safely support the weight of the lifting devices that will be used; a significant weight of around 37 tonnes. The works have been designed to do this after the repairs to the bridge itself - this required scaffolding which increased the weight.
Over the coming weeks, you will notice increased activity around the bridge abutments as our team works diligently to carry out the necessary repairs. Upon completion of the abutment repairs, the bridge will undergo thorough inspections to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and quality.
The project programme remains on track to complete in the summer subject to site conditions not presenting any delays. As we near the project completion we will publish further updates on progress. We are committed to delivering a refurbished bridge that not only serves its functional purpose, but also safeguards the heritage of our community.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all residents for their cooperation and support throughout this project. Your patience and understanding have been invaluable; please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
July 2024
The Gasworks Pipe Bridge will reopen to the public on 31 July. However, the bridge will need to be closed again in September to allow the finishing touches to be made.
The temporary closure is to lift the 35-tonne bridge and replace the bearings. We had hoped to do this before the bridge reopened, but our contractor has discovered additional ground strengthening is required. When the bridge is jacked up, it will add significant pressure to the ground underneath the bridge. Our contractor has discovered that the towpath is not strong enough to support this, so additional reinforcing will be carried out.
Oxford City Council is committed to ensuring the Gasworks Pipe Bridge Project meets the highest standards of safety and reliability. This additional work will ensure the bridge lasts for generations and, when repairs are needed in a generation's time, the groundwork has already been laid.
Thank you for your continued patience and support.
August 2024
The Gasworks Pipe Bridge Project is continuing to progress toward our next phase of work.
Starting the week of 19 August our contractor, B&M McHugh, mobilised for ground strengthening works in preparation for future phases of the project. This will involve mini piling operations on-site, which are needed to ensure the stability of the ground. Please note that these activities are expected to generate moderate noise levels. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
We will keep you informed as the project progresses.
Thank you for your continued support.
October 2024
We are pleased to announce that the Gasworks Pipe Bridge project has entered its final phase. This significant milestone brings us closer to the completion of the works that will ensure the long-term structural integrity and safety of the bridge.
As part of this final phase, the bridge will remain closed to the public until the project’s completion. The key task in this stage involves jacking the bridge up and replacing the bridge bearings, which are critical components that support the structure and allow for controlled movement due to temperature changes and load stresses.
The work is progressing as planned, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we move towards the finish line. Further updates, including the expected reopening date, will be shared as the project nears completion.
Thank you for your understanding as we carry out these essential improvements to the Gasworks Pipe Bridge.
November 2024
We are pleased to confirm that we have now received approval from the Technical Approval Authority (TAA) for the bridge jacking design. This design, which outlines the method for lifting the bridge to replace the bearings, is crucial to ensure the structure’s integrity and stability during the course of the works.
Now that the design issues have been resolved, we can progress to the next phase and the Contractor, B&M McHugh, will begin the process of the bearing replacement on Monday, 4 November. This phase is expected to be concluded early in December and enable the bridge to then fully opened and the project concluded by mid-December.
All parties are working together to maintain progress and complete the works as soon as possible, and we appreciate bridge users and local residents patience as we move forward with the final stages of the project.
Even though these factors are beyond our control, we would like to apologise to residents for the ongoing inconvenience and are doing everything we can to reopen the bridge as soon as possible.
December 2024
We are pleased to share the latest updates on the Gasworks Pipe Bridge Project. The bridge has been successfully lifted to allow for the replacement of the bearings, and new concrete plinths to support the bearings have been cast.
The next phase will see the bridge lowered back into place then the works will focus on reconnecting the bridge to the abutments on either side. Both our consultants and the contractor have advised that the bridge will be able to re-open on 24th December 2024. There is always uncertainty with major and complex engineering projects, and we deeply regret delays to this one, but we are confident that soon this essential bridge will be back, usable and fit for the long-term for those crossing the river to and from south Oxford.
Finally, in January the contractor, B&M McHugh Ltd, will complete work to restore the towpath underneath the bridge and demobilise the site compound.
December 2024 - Bridge reopens
We are pleased to announce that the bearing replacement works for the Gasworks Pipe Bridge have been successfully completed. The bridge has been de-jacked, reconnected to the abutments, and is now open for public use.
The contractor will return to the site in early January to carry out final works, including restoring the towpaths to a good condition and demobilising the site compound area.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout this project.
Comment
"I'm delighted that this bridge is finally reopened after three years of closure - this will great Christmas present for many residents both sides of the river. It's also great to see a bit of South Oxford's industrial heritage restored and looking good again!"
Hinksey Park ward councillor Anna Railton
Community safety information
School Journey via the Gasworks Railway Bridge
- Try to time your journey to make the most of the daylight.
- Plan your route beforehand if this is not a route you are familiar with.
- Younger children should always walk with an adult
- Older children to walk with a friend/groups when possible.
- Stick to the well-used footpath.
- Be visible – try to have some form of clothing, backpack or other item that is reflective as you walk.
- If dark, use a torch to help light the way and other people can see you.
- If walking next to the River, stay away from the edge and do not allow children to play next to the river edge
- Be aware that the path is shared with cyclists
- Older children walking to or retuning from school during hours of darkness should use Folly Bridge instead.
FAQs
Why is the bridge shut?
The bridge was deemed unsafe for pedestrian traffic following a survey by qualified structural engineers. It has been closed to protect the public whilst assessment on most suitable course of action could be decided. A feasibility study was undertaken which ultimately recommended repair in lieu of replacement. Once this course of action was approved, the survey and design work commenced, followed by the procurement process to find a suitable contractor, which then triggered detailed design and detailed works proposals such as obtaining licences and permits, logistics and phasing of the works.
Why are the construction works now taking longer than previously advised?
The proposed works require a number of third party approvals to enable the works to commence which include; Agreements in Principle (AIP) of the design by Oxfordshire County Council, Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) by the Environment Agency and Footpath closure and diversions by Oxfordshire County Council. Some of the applications for approval could only be issued once a contractor was engaged, detailed design and logistical plans developed. Some of the processes take around 12 weeks from application to approval. Some of the proposed works have since had to be re-sequenced, to enable third party approvals, which has extended the programme.
Who is the EA and what is their role in this project?
The Environment Agency (EA) is an executive, non-departmental public body, responsible for creating better places for people and wildlife and to support sustainable development. They are the governing department who review and authorise proposed works on, over or around our waterways via a Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) to ensure that those works are undertaken at a time and in a way that mitigates risk to the waterways and its users and ensures environmental protection. As the bridge repair works fall into the above category, the EA will advise on when and how the works can be undertaken.
What is the boating season and why is it delaying the project?
Boating season as advised by the Environment Agency (Thames Waterways team) is scheduled each year between approximately April and November. It denotes a period where the river use is much greater. The Thames Waterways teams have raised a number of concerns surrounding the original works proposals which the team have to now consider and will ultimately impact when and how the works can be undertaken to the bridge.
We have been advised that the original proposed works and programme dates are not suitable because:
- the scaffolding required to provide a working platform under the bridge will reduce the soffit height to unacceptable levels.
- closing a section of river around the bridge would mean no through traffic on the southern cruising ring of the English waterways network during the most popular months.
- it would seriously impact on the economies of both the hire boat trade and riverside businesses in Oxford if this section of river were to close.
- following a review of whether a partial river restriction could be put in place to maintain navigation, the EA expressed health and safety concerns for the bridge operatives working underneath the bridge (e.g. protection against boat strikes) and river users (e.g. protection from overhanging scaffolding) as they have advised this section of river is difficult to navigate through in elevated flows. Novice boaters would find this very challenging with the channel narrowed by the works.
Are you able to do anything more to improve the diversion routes?
Unfortunately, the footpath diversions are as close to the original routes as reasonably possible. Over the course of the works should it be able to improve on these diversions, the project team will endeavour to achieve this.
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