Oxfordshire CC has granted planning permission for the first phase of upgrades to its scheme on the A40 between Eynsham park and ride and Wolvercote, clearing the way for junction improvements, priority lanes and more active travel.
The first phase of the scheme is fully-funded through £126m provided jointly by the Department for Transport and Homes England. It focuses on the provision of a new junction connecting the Eynsham park and ride to the A40, as well as bus priority measures and ‘high-quality walking and cycling routes', which will allow the new park and ride facility to be opened for use.
Work on the project is set to be carried out by Balfour Beatty, but Oxfordshire County Council did note that this is ‘subject to final agreement on cost, programme and contract terms'.
Future elements of the project have not been budgeted yet by Oxfordshire CC.
Councillor Liz Leffman, cabinet member for highways construction and repair, said: ‘Securing planning consent now means we can start delivering improvements that will make journeys along the A40 more reliable and give people better choices for how they travel. When completed, the project will support new jobs and housing in the surrounding area.'
Next steps for the project are preparatory works, including condition discharge, site clearance and site compound preparation, with construction work expected to start in earnest later this year.
The council added that the scheme has been ‘carefully designed' to reduce the impacts on the ‘surrounding landscape and ecology'.
Cllr Leffman added: ‘Feedback from public and stakeholder engagement over the past five years has helped shape the final design, particularly the bus priority and active travel improvements. We are grateful for all the input received and for everyone's patience throughout the process.'
