CPRE is calling for a truly joined-up approach to finding the best solutions to the extremely difficult problem of replacing the fragile medieval bridge at Newbridge. This is only one of many problems raised by the use of the A415 as a through route. The discussions about Newbridge seem to take no heed of the implications for Marcham, which is still waiting for a bypass and is even more adversely affected by traffic on the same route. Throw into the equation the possibility of a huge reservoir being constructed in the vicinity and the transport of gravel from the sites in West Oxfordshire and the solution looks even more difficult. We recognise that the planners and engineers often have an almost impossible job and that there is always going to be a trade off to find an acceptable solution. But they would have more success in taking the public with them if they could show that all the relevant factors are taken into consideration and not pretend that huge traffic problems can be solve with a bit of small scale management.

Latest News

2010

March 2010

Responses from the public will be analysed and published this spring. A report to the OCC’s Cabinet will be written summarising the public’s view and the Cabinet will decide if the project should be taken forward and in what form. The Cabinet meeting where this is scheduled to be heard is 20 April 2010.

What you can do

Anyone wishing to speak at the Cabinet meeting needs to apply to Committee Services following the rules laid down.

• See here for more information.

2009

December 2009: OCC are considering applying for planning permission to build a new bridge over the Thames at Newbridge to carry the A415.

Dating from the 13th Century, Newbridge is arguably the oldest original bridge in Oxfordshire, and yet despite having no significant modifications since its construction around 750 years ago, is still carrying A415 traffic across the River Thames today. Newbridge's multi-span gothic arch construction cannot be very precisely modelled, but using accepted assessment techniques has been found to be theoretically weak and so is now being closely monitored and is currently protected by a structural weight limit of 18 tonnes GVW (gross vehicle weight).

In managing the steadily increasing risk that this slowly deteriorating ancient bridge will pose, Oxfordshire County Council has reached the conclusion that Newbridge can no longer be relied on to carry unrestricted A415 vehicular traffic safely in the medium and long term in its current form. As Newbridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, it benefits from statutory protection designed to protect its historic importance and so cannot be replaced, reconstructed or even easily strengthened unless absolutely necessary.

Oxfordshire County Council is Newbridge's owner and is also the highway authority, and as such it has a statutory duty not only to preserve this ancient monument's historic value, but also must ensure the safety of the road user. The weight restriction and an increased inspection regime is only an interim measure, OCC really need to find a satisfactory long-term solution.

A public exhibition was held at The Rose Revived at Newbridge to gain public opinion to shape the planning application. The exhibition ran from Thursday 26 November to Saturday 28 November 2009. The consultation period has now closed (final date 24 December 2009).

CPRE West Oxon replied to the consultation.

In a letter to the editor of the Oxford Times, CPRE called for a proper strategy for the A415 before agreeing to replace the Newbridge at Standlake, which would adversely affect this beautiful area of the Upper Thames.

• See CPRE Wext Oxon's response to consultation here.
• See: CPRE's letter to Oxford Times (17 December).
• For more information see OCC website here.

Further Information

• Marcham Bypass
• Rural Roads