Bloomers Hole Footbridge

Bloomers Hole Footbridge is a footbridge across the River Thames in Oxfordshire, England. It is situated on the reach above Buscot Lock and was installed in 2000 to carry the Thames Path across the Thames. It is built of steel encased in wood to make it look like a timber structure.

Bloomers Hole Footbridge
Coordinates51°41′12″N 1°40′33″W / 51.686611°N 1.675929°W / 51.686611; -1.675929
CarriesThames Path
CrossesRiver Thames
LocaleOxfordshire
Characteristics
MaterialSteel
No. of spans1
History
DesignerCharlie Benner
Opened2000
Location
Map

The Countryside Agency commissioned Oxfordshire County Council to design and build the bridge and the design was undertaken by Charlie Benner, the senior engineer.[1] The bridge was installed in 2000. The two 27-metre (89 ft) 8-tonne steel beams were put in place by a Chinook helicopter from RAF Brize Norton.[2]

Bloomer's Hole is at a wide bend about quarter of a mile downstream of St John's Lock. The river winds tortuously along here, and although a cut of the river across Bloomer Meadow was mooted as early as 1802, it was never implemented.[3]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Statutory instrument authorising construction
  2. ^ Swindon Advertiser, Friday 26 May 2000.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ Fred. S. Thacker The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs 1920 - republished 1968 David & Charles
Next crossing upstream River Thames Next crossing downstream
St John's Bridge (road) Bloomers Hole Footbridge Buscot Lock (pedestrian)
Next crossing upstream Thames Path Next crossing downstream
southern bank
Water Eaton House Bridge
Bloomers Hole Footbridge northern bank
Radcot Bridge