A420 Cumnor Bypass reopens to traffic

The embankment along part of the A420 had begun to subside and needed substantial repair work to prevent a larger landslip and longer delays to traffic.

Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr David Nimmo Smith said: “Our engineers have worked hard to get the embankment repairs done as quickly as possible.

“We understand the impact the closure had on traffic and the difficulties faced by road users. However, we had to tackle the problem now to avoid far more serious problems in the future.”

During the closure the opportunity was also taken to repair the surfacing over Tilbury Bridge and resurface the westbound carriageway from Botley Interchange to the embankment repair. Contraflows could not be used due to the different levels of the west and eastbound carriageways.

Cllr Nimmo Smith explained: “The job was challenging but I am pleased that the team also did drainage surveys and routine maintenance work to make the most of the closure.

“Our engineers have worked hard to get the embankment repairs done as quickly as possible. We understand the impact the closure had on traffic and the difficulties faced by road users.

"However, we had to tackle the problem now to avoid far more serious problems in the future.

 “The job was challenging but I am pleased that the team also did drainage surveys and routine maintenance work to make the most of the closure.”

Eastbound work on overnight May 18 and 19

The work will be complete following the resurfacing of a short section of the eastbound carriageway on the nights of 18 and 19 May. Traffic will follow a signed diversion while this work takes place.