Anneliese Dodds MP, with Layla Moran MP, met with County council officers and the Environment Agency to discuss the condition of the bearings, concrete, and temporary propping beneath the bridge, as well as the potential impact of future lane closures or weight restrictions.
The rail bridge is a key part of the southern bypass, carrying approximately 50,000 vehicles per day and connecting essential science, technology, and business locations across Oxford. The bridge is also a crucial part of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, with its replacement designed to improve floodwater flow.
Oxfordshire County Council is working to secure central government funding for the bridge replacement after a £71 million funding gap was identified last year.
Anneliese Dodds said: “As I’ve said in Parliament to Government ministers, the replacement of Kennington Rail Bridge is essential for local people to be able to keep getting around, but also for local jobs, homes and our environment. I’ll keep pushing to ensure the bridge is replaced and the Oxford Flood Alleviation scheme is unlocked.”
The County spokesperson said, “The support today from both MPs underlines our shared commitment to ensuring the bridge is replaced as soon as possible. We will continue to work with our MPs and other partners to secure central government funding.”
Oxfordshire County Council wrote to the chancellor and the secretary of state for transport last year, emphasising the need for financial support from the Department for Transport’s new £1 billion Structures Fund to close a £71 million funding gap in the bridge replacement and improvement project.
The estimated full cost of the project, currently £180 million, has increased due to engineering challenges and inflation in construction material costs. The remaining cost is being met by the council and the Environment Agency.
The rail bridge, built in 1965, needs to be replaced in a way that maintains uninterrupted access under traffic management throughout the construction period. A water main and fibre-optic connections must be diverted away from the bridge, and overhead electrical cables must be considered during the work. The site also includes a busy passenger and freight railway line, so access must be planned well in advance. All of this means costs are higher, but not as high as the cost of closing the entire bridge on safety grounds.
If full funding is secured, Oxfordshire County Council plans to deliver a package of improvements, including replacing the rail bridge, building better walking and cycling routes, and a new eastbound bus and park-and-ride lane.