Major road scheme gets £126m after two year pause

A major road improvement scheme halted two years ago due to costs has had £126m of funding approved.

The money from the government will go towards Oxfordshire County Council’s A40 improvement programme between Oxford and Eynsham.

Construction on the road paused in 2022, with a park and ride built on the planned route left abandoned.

Subject to planning permission, the council said work could begin in early 2026 and last for two years.

Under the scheme, a new junction will be built to connect the road to the new park and ride at Eynsham, enabling it to become operational.

Construction on the £51m facility, which has 850 spaces, was completed in January this year - but has not been accessible to motorists.

New bus lanes, and upgraded walking and cycling facilities will also be installed as part of the works.

The authority said the changes would "make a difference" to commuters and visitors alike, by "opening up new travel options and making journeys safer and faster".

Work on the route, which is used by about 32,000 vehicles every day, first began in November 2020 before being halted two years later.

Funding for the development has come from Homes England's Housing Infrastructure Fund and the Department for Transport's Local Growth Fund.

Councillor Judy Roberts, the council's head of infrastructure and development strategy, said the investment was "crucial step towards improving the overall travel experience along the A40".

“We are prioritising improvements to bus travel here, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure to help create a more sustainable, healthier and connected county," she said.

"This project could really bring a step change in travel for those who live in, work in and visit West Oxfordshire and for people using the A40 between Witney, Eynsham and Oxford.”

With the funding in place, the authority will now seek planning permission.

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