Bloomers Hole Footbridge Explained

Bridge Name:Bloomers Hole Footbridge
Carries:Thames Path
Crosses:River Thames
Locale:Oxfordshire
Designer:Charlie Benner
Material:Steel
Spans:1
Open:2000
Coordinates:51.6866°N -1.6759°W

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.

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 27m (89feet) 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

Notes and References

  1. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090518152636/http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2000/uksi_20000298_en.pdf Statutory instrument authorising construction
  2. http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2000/5/26/244282.html Swindon Advertiser, Friday 26 May 2000.
  3. Fred. S. Thacker The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs 1920 - republished 1968 David & Charles