Exciting developments at the Rewley Road Swing Bridge – April 2021 Update

See the thrilling moment when the gears were turned again at Rewley Road - we know the Swing Bridge was last used in the 1980s, so that’s over 40 years ago. Catch the video of all the action: https://youtu.be/KftWxz59PW4

Passersby will have also noticed some big changes on site, with the installation of a massive white tent. This is the safe environment needed for the blasting works, which will take off rough surfaces and jagged edges before any protective coating or paint can be applied.

What colour do you think the Bridge was painted originally? You’ll have to wait to find out, but please do send us your guesses! Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

In other news, following the jacking up of the Bridge, the turning pit has been thoroughly cleared out ready for inspection and, offsite, new metalwork components are being fabricated.

Thanks go to Historic England, Network Rail, the Railway Heritage Trust and our other sponsors, without whom this restoration would not be possible; and to The Morton Partnership, Avon Construction and Oxford Archaeology for their amazing work.

Be a part of the Rewley Road Swing Bridge story! Please consider supporting this project by donating or joining us. To find out more about Oxford’s part in the construction of railways across Britain, visit the OPT website.