We are delighted that our scheme to refurbish two Oxford footbridges, on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, has been recognised with a coveted Oxford Preservation Trust Award.
The Oxfordshire Preservation Trust (OPT) is an independent local charity, dedicated to the conservation and sustainable enhancement of Oxford. The annual OPT Awards Scheme celebrates projects across the city that embody the best in conservation and new design and make a significant contribution to Oxford’s character and communities.
We have been awarded for our work to restore The Lemond and Fignon footbridges, which provide a safe route for walkers and cyclists across the Cherwell River.
Prior to the refurbishment, completed in 2023, Fignon bridge’s concrete deck was in poor condition. Classified as a Grade 2 Listed Building, as the first structure in the UK to incorporate post tensioned portal arch beams, the refurbishment needed to retain its historic integrity.
Our Oxfordshire team worked to replace the deck with high-performance Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), to ensure the bridge’s ongoing service, while avoiding any damage to the historically sensitive beams.
The Lemond Bridge was also in poor condition with rotting timber elements posing significant risk. Our in-house design team created a solution that used durable hardwood to maximise longevity, retaining the existing steel superstructure, making future maintenance easier and more cost effective.
The project was praised for the thoughtful and resourceful approach to both refurbishments and the successful collaboration between our team, the city, the County Council and local stakeholders, who provided volunteers for a diversion cycle route during the temporary closure.
Cllr Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “A great deal of effort went into this project, which secured this vital route for future users. It is wonderful to be honoured with this award in recognition of the quality of the work, which was completed ahead of schedule and has improved the route for cyclists and pedestrians.”
Richard Lovewell, Business Director at Milestone Infrastructure, said: “We’re thrilled to have been recognised by the Oxford Preservation Trust for this project.
“We worked with Oxfordshire County Council to design a solution that not only improved the safety of the bridges but also protected their historical value and made it easier to maintain in the future. We hope these historic footbridges will be of service to people of Oxfordshire for many years to come.”
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