A40 Improvement Scheme Gains Planning Approval

Planning permission has been granted for a major project to improve journeys along the A40 between the Eynsham park and ride site and Wolvercote.

Oxfordshire County Council said the scheme will introduce bus priority lanes, new and upgraded junctions, new crossings, and improved walking and cycling routes. The project will also enable the Eynsham park and ride site to open.

The construction contract is expected to be awarded to Balfour Beatty, subject to final agreement on costs, programme and contract terms. Preparatory work, including site clearance and compound preparation, is due to begin before construction starts later this year.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “We are happy to progress this important project. 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.”

The first phase of the scheme is fully funded through £126 million of government investment. It includes a new junction linking the Eynsham park and ride to the A40, alongside bus priority measures and improved walking and cycling infrastructure.

The council said the project has been designed to reduce its impact on the surrounding landscape and ecology.

Councillor 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.”