Motorists travelling through Islip are being warned of significant disruption this autumn as Islip Bridge will close to all motor vehicles for almost two months while Oxfordshire County Council carries out a major programme of safety and traffic improvements.
The works begin on 21 September 2026, with the bridge scheduled to close completely to motor traffic from 28 September until 20 November.
The scheme is designed to address deterioration of the bridge, improve pedestrian access and reduce unsuitable through-traffic passing through the village.
Bridge closure from 28 September
The first phase, from 21 to 25 September, will involve temporary traffic signals while preparatory work takes place.
The main phase will then see Islip Bridge closed to all motor vehicles, including buses. A signed diversion will be introduced, while pedestrians and cyclists will continue to have access across the bridge.
Oxfordshire County Council says the bridge has deteriorated as traffic volumes have increased, including heavier vehicles.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said the work was necessary to protect the bridge and ensure it could be used safely.
She acknowledged that the scheme was likely to cause “significant disruption”, but said the council would aim to complete the work safely and as quickly as possible.
New traffic signals and wider footway
The project will bring several changes to the bridge and approaches.
Permanent three-way traffic signals will be installed to control vehicle movements across the bridge, while the carriageway will be narrowed to three metres to help protect the bridge structure.
A new 1.5-metre-wide footway will also be installed on the western side of the bridge, alongside traffic-calming measures on the southern approach.
Further works will include drainage repairs, resurfacing, footway improvements and new road markings.
Mill Street will also become one-way ahead of the scheme.
H5 bus service to be diverted
The closure will affect public transport users as well as motorists.
During the works, the H5 bus service between Bicester and the John Radcliffe Hospital will serve Islip from the north before following a diversion via Kidlington Road, Bicester Road, the A40 and Barton, in both directions.
A shuttle service will operate between Barton and the bus stop on the southern side of the bridge.
The council says access to nearby properties and businesses will be maintained where possible, although some short delays are expected.
Staff will also be stationed at either end of the bridge during the closure to assist with safety and access.
Works timed after the summer harvest
The timing of the project has been chosen to minimise disruption to the surrounding area, with the main works scheduled after the summer harvest when agricultural traffic is expected to be lower.
For residents, commuters and bus passengers, however, the closure will still represent a substantial change to local journeys for much of October and into November.
The council says the long-term aim is to create a safer bridge, improve pedestrian access and tackle the problems caused by unsuitable traffic passing through Islip.
