Oxfordshire County Council has signed a contract with VolkerFitzpatrick to build the Didcot Science Bridge - Highways understands the deal is worth £74m, under the wider £332m Didcot and surrounding areas infrastructure (HIF1) scheme.

The three-span Science Bridge will cross over the existing A4130, the Great Western mainline railway and Milton Road. The road will continue through the former Didcot A Power Station connecting back into the A4130 north of Purchas Road roundabout with a T-junction.

The wider scheme includes four sections in total that incorporate improvements to existing roads, the construction of new roads and new walking and cycle routes. It will also help to facilitate new and enhanced bus services.

Cllr Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: 'I'm very pleased that we have reached the stage where we have appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to build an important section of the scheme. This means work will start soon on this transformative infrastructure development. It will offer more sustainable travel options in and around Didcot and provide opportunities for more direct, faster and more reliable bus routes. It will also improve road safety and support the creation of new jobs and economic growth in the local area.'

Paul Lilley, strategic projects director at VolkerFitzpatrick, said: 'We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver the Didcot Science Bridge, a key component of this transformative infrastructure programme. Our team brings extensive experience in delivering complex civil engineering projects, and we look forward to working closely with Oxfordshire County Council and its partners to create infrastructure that will improve journey times, enhance sustainable travel options, and support future growth across the region.'

Pauline Schaffer, director of infrastructure funding at Homes England, said: 'The appointment of VolkerFitzpatrick represents a major step forward in delivering vital transport improvements for Didcot and the surrounding areas. Homes England's investment through the Housing Infrastructure Fund is helping to bring forward the Didcot infrastructure scheme, unlocking much-needed new homes and employment space for the local area.'

Enabling works, including site clearance, archaeology investigations and utility diversions, are already underway. Main construction is expected to start in the Spring and last approximately two years.