Since August 2024 Donnington Bridge – a vital link between East and South Oxford - has had a 7.5 tonne weight limit imposed on it. Our 46 and ST1 buses are too heavy to cross the bridge. Residents of Donnington and Hinksey face long journeys and expensive transfers to get to Templars Square’s affordable shopping, Florence Park’s community facilities or Donnington Health Centre. Residents of Cowley and Florence Park face long journeys towards Abingdon Road, for example to use Hinksey Pools, Donnington Doorstep and community centre or transfer to buses to Didcot and Wallingford. 

There have been long delays in getting the bridge inspected to see what, if any, repairs are needed. After all this time we are now told remedial works are needed, which could take at least three years.

Meanwhile smaller, lighter minibuses could cross the bridge.  Without support, this is not commercially viable for the bus companies but the County Council could provide or subsidise such a service. It already provides a 46a minibus service across the bridge. But it only provides four journeys a morning in each direction with no buses in the afternoons, evenings or at weekends. This is not good enough. A decent bus service is a lifeline for those living along the route, particularly those who are less able bodied and cannot walk between Iffley Road and Abingdon Road. Urgency is compounded by an unrelenting cost of living crisis. For many in the community struggling to heat homes the bus has provided a route to warm spaces such as libraries and community centres. 

We therefore call on Oxfordshire County Council to ensure that the bridge repairs are urgently prioritised and funded so that a full 46 bus service can be reinstated in order not to prolong the difficulties being faced by our communities. 

Recognising that, even given priority, bridge repairs will take some time we further call on Oxfordshire County Council to work with the Oxford Bus Company now to provide a morning, afternoon and weekend bus service across Donnington Bridge using minibuses that do not breach the weight limit.