A section of Oxford’s Thames towpath is set to be closed for essential repairs to the eroding riverbank.
The affected section is off Abingdon Road between Folly Bridge and Donnington Bridge, with further works taking place near Isis farm house.
A combination of signed diversionary routes and local towpath width reductions will be in place until the repairs are completed.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management at Oxfordshire County Council, said:
“This work forms part of our commitment to invest in the county’s blue-green infrastructure and it will safeguard this towpath for many years.
“We realise how popular this towpath is, both as a sustainable route into the city as well as for the many walkers who enjoy strolling along the riverside.
“If there was any way of carrying out these repairs without having to close this stretch, we would do so.
“But the safety of users and workers is our priority, and so we ask people to be patient and observe the closure.”
The repair work aims to restore damaged stretches of the towpath along the river and safeguard the riverbank. The work involves the use of machinery and extensive reconstruction, which is why sections of the towpath must remain closed.
About 120 metres of the affected stretch will be subject to piling work, which involves structural piles being driven into the ground to provide strength where the soil is weak or unstable.
For their own safety, people are asked to adhere to the signed diversions and observe obstructions along sections with width restrictions.
The Blue-green infrastructure is the network of green spaces (including water systems) that deliver environmental, economic, and social values and benefits to communities
