Bridges and footpaths

We are building new bridges in the scheme area to ensure access is maintained over the new stream. These are shown on the map below:

1. Replacing the existing Westway Cycle Bridge which crosses Seacourt Stream at the north end of the scheme. We will replace this in the same timber style as present but with an increased span.
2. A new bridge at Willow Walk which will be suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and horses. This will replace the existing culverts and their metal railings.
3. A new footbridge with wooden decking at North Hinksey along North Hinksey Causeway.
4. A new footbridge with wooden decking so people can continue to walk from behind the Fishes pub across the new stream and wetland.
5. A new bridge at Devil’s Backbone, which will be designed to meet cycleway standards. This will provide an opportunity for the Devil's Backbone path to be upgraded to a cycleway in the future.

Willow Walk will remain as a bridleway.  We will replace the existing culverts under the pathway with a new bridge. This will continue from the existing track, just raised slightly higher.

The existing stone arch bridge towards the North Hinksey end of Willow Walk will remain as it is, and normal river flows will continue under it.  

Artist impression of the scheme looking towards Willow Walk Bridge from Hinksey Meadow, 15 years after construction 

 

While we carry out this work, we are proposing a temporary raised walkway running alongside Willow Walk, suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and horses. Once construction is complete, we will plant 10 white willows on each side of the path to reinstate the avenue of trees. We are working with Oxford Direct Services to develop a long-term maintenance plan for Willow Walk, with the aim of enhancing this important landscape feature in the long term. Our tree-planting proposals will reflect this arrangement.

We will create a new track along much of the scheme to allow access for maintenance. A proportion of the track will be made into a permissive path that the public will be able to use for cycling and walking, increasing recreation opportunities in the area.

During construction we will create a temporary path along the boundary of Seacourt Nature Park to maintain access between Botley Road and Hinksey Meadows. Once the scheme is built people will still be able to visit and enjoy Seacourt Nature Park.

There will be some other temporary closures of designated bridleway, footpaths and cycleways while we build the scheme. We will always signpost alternative routes and put in temporary routes where possible. 

The Environment Agency must permanently realign several footpaths to enable the construction of the scheme. Suitable alternatives will be provided.