Backhill tunnel work progresses

A project to turn a disused tunnel into a new route for cyclists and pedestrians is taking shape.

Oxfordshire County Council and its contractors Skanska are working on the Backhill Tunnel scheme which will enable current and future visitors as well as residents and staff either side of the railway to more easily and quickly access the other side of the railway.

Around £900,000, provided by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, is being invested in the improvements So far the team have removed redundant services and installed new drains and service ducts. A sub-base has been laid along with drainage and edging for the cycleway and work will start soon on preparing the Milton side of the tunnel.

This new link will form part of a more extensive network that is proposed to connect Milton Park to Milton Heights, with the next stage being a new junction on the A4130 to enable users to safely cross the road from Backhill Tunnel.