Long Bridge near Bicester reopens after months of closure
Long bridge in Lower Heyford, near Bicester[1], partially collapsed in March[2] when a portion of stonework crumbled away.
The bridge, which was originally built in 1550 to carry horse and cart, was closed in October for the rebuilding of the road deck and drainage around it.
It was reopened yesterday lunchtime (Saturday, December 9) despite fears of delay because of heavy rainfall.[4]
Councillor Ian Corkin, who represents Ploughley on Oxfordshire County[5] Council, said it was a huge relief to motorists and nearby businesses.
He said: “The constraints of having the Oxford[6] Canal and the River Cherwell running through that part of the world is that there are relatively few crossings.
“The bridge being closed for so long had a real impact.
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— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) December 7, 2023[8]
“The official diversion was very long and the back routes used by some locals were in a poor condition.
“There were three pubs that were particularly impacted because they are all rural and depend on people going to them to eat.
“The work really needed doing. If you look around the county, the medieval bridge in Burford is still not repaired.
“It’s great this one got the attention it needed.
“It’s an old medieval bridge which has had a big road deck put on it over the years. It wasn’t possible to close half and keep half open.”
References
- ^ Bicester (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ partially collapsed in March (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ Hermes lorry involved in crash on A420 near Faringdon (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ fears of delay because of heavy rainfall. (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ County (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ Oxford (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ https://t.co/qOq8ZlGF9x (t.co)
- ^ December 7, 2023 (twitter.com)