The Government has been asked to cover a £71 million funding gap to replace Kennington rail bridge in Oxfordshire.
Around 50,000 vehicles a day use the bridge, a key part of the southern bypass but it has long been showing signs of wear.
Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) wants to replace it and add a shared path for walking and cycling, a new eastbound bus and park and ride lane and improved flood protection and crucial transport links.
However OCC and the Environment Agency are able to fund only £109m of the £180m cost and the council has written to the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Transport to request the Department for Transport’s close the £71m funding gap from the new structures fund.
Cllr Judy Roberts, cabinet member for place, environment and climate action, said: “This project is essential for the future of our local road network, and it also works with the Environment Agency’s Oxford flood alleviation scheme, providing more capacity for flood water and protecting homes, businesses and crucial transport links.
“We have maintained the rail bridge since it was passed to us from central government, but the structure now needs to be replaced. We cannot meet the full cost on our own and we have therefore started work to secure national support to make sure this vital part of the Oxfordshire road network is replaced.”
Planning permission for the bridge replacement was approved in October 2024. Detailed design work, construction methodologies and the necessary surveys are now close to completion.
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