Closed
Have been told the foot bridge has moved 2 meters down stream from the flooding.
Reported in the Bridge-Damaged/ Missing category anonymously at 07:36, Mon 18 November 2019
Sent to Northamptonshire Highways 5 minutes later. ref: 1850665.
The wooden foot bridge has moved down stream from the flooding, it has broken away from the posts in the ground. It would now be unsafe as it is not fixed to the ground.
Updates
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Thank you for reporting a fault. We will use the information you have provided to assess and prioritise this fault in accordance with our published response times for fault reports.
State changed to: Investigating
Posted by Northamptonshire Highways at 07:41, Mon 18 November 2019
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Thank you for your enquiry. Having carried out a site inspection it is apparent that the recent floods have eroded the existing bank of the River Cherwell. The wooden supports dug in the ground to stabilise the old footbridge have snapped during the high water levels and the structure has moved approximately 1.5m from its original position. Due to the immediate Health and Safety concerns, I am afraid that a 21 day emergency closure has been put on Public Footpath AL14 for pedestrians. Public Bridleway AL15 has been left open for users. However, Northamptonshire Highways are aware that the only access through the River Cherwell as this point is through the existing ford. With this in mind the temporary alternative route for pedestrians will be on other rights of way away from this area. Moving forward I can assure you that it is our intention to instigate the installation of a new Footbridge at this location. As the bank has eroded slightly we will be looking to install a slightly longer 8m Footbridge to ensure it is installed on stable ground. Unfortunately this footbridge does cross the River Cherwell so we must gain the appropriate Flood Defence Consent from the Environment Agency. This can take up to 2 months to achieve. Having been to site it is also apparent that the recent wet weather has saturated the surrounding ground and it is currently impossible for our contractors to access the location with the necessary machinery to install a new footbridge. This will mean that the initial 21 day closure order be followed by a further 6 month closure order. Our ongoing strategy will be to try to install the new bridge in the better weather of the spring/early summer of 2020.
Posted by Northamptonshire Highways at 11:26, Wed 20 November 2019
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I have read all the above information, however the dangerous bridge is an important link in the long distance (Barmouth to Abbotsbury) Macmillan Way footpath. Please give priority to restoring this route, as the diversion suggested is very long.
Posted anonymously at 15:44, Mon 9 December 2019
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Thank you for your enquiry. Having carried out a site inspection it is apparent that the recent floods have eroded the existing bank of the River Cherwell. The wooden supports dug in the ground to stabilise the old footbridge have snapped during the high water levels and the structure has moved approximately 1.5m from its original position. Due to the immediate Health and Safety concerns, I am afraid that a 21 day emergency closure has been put on Public Footpath AL14 for pedestrians. Public Bridleway AL15 has been left open for users. However, Northamptonshire Highways are aware that the only access through the River Cherwell as this point is through the existing ford. With this in mind the temporary alternative route for pedestrians will be on other rights of way away from this area. Moving forward I can assure you that it is our intention to instigate the installation of a new Footbridge at this location. As the bank has eroded slightly we will be looking to install a slightly longer 8m Footbridge to ensure it is installed on stable ground. Unfortunately this footbridge does cross the River Cherwell so we must gain the appropriate Flood Defence Consent from the Environment Agency. This can take up to 2 months to achieve. Having been to site it is also apparent that the recent wet weather has saturated the surrounding ground and it is currently impossible for our contractors to access the location with the necessary machinery to install a new footbridge. This will mean that the initial 21 day closure order be followed by a further 6 month closure order. Our ongoing strategy will be to try to install the new bridge in the better weather of the spring/early summer of 2020. Customer update 5/8/20 - A new footbridge has now been installed.
State changed to: Closed
Posted by Northamptonshire Highways at 12:08, Wed 5 August 2020
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.