Oxford,
08
March
2021
|
08:48
Europe/London

Exhibition launched on plans for A34 junction at Lodge Hill

Residents in the Abingdon area and users of the nearby A34 are set to benefit from major road improvements with plans to build a new south-facing slip road at Lodge Hill.

The county council is now asking for the views of residents and roads users in a new online exhibition on the plans opening on 8 March until 29 March.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The proposals for the new Lodge Hill exit on the northbound A34 and work in the surrounding area will offer real improvements for the quality of life of those who live and work in the Abingdon area.

“The proposed work means that those living or working in central Abingdon can look forward to much reduced congestion and that new housing has the right supporting infrastructure. I welcome residents to visit the online exhibition and to offer their views.”

The aim of the improvements is to increase junction capacity, providing new access and shortening journey times. The work will include new roundabouts to improve traffic flow and reduce local congestion. It will also support new housing development and economic growth in north Abingdon and in the wider area. Traffic calming for nearby local roads is also being proposed to limit the number of vehicles travelling on country roads.

It is expected that the proposals will also reduce congestion in Abingdon and at the Marcham interchange as many vehicles will no longer need to travel through the town centre.

The delivery of appropriate and timely supporting infrastructure is key to supporting sustainable development north of Abingdon and Oxford. Since Oxfordshire County Council secured funding in 2017, it has been working on designs, surveys, stakeholder engagement and land acquisition ahead of a planning application in Spring 2021.

Recognising advice from government on COVID-19 safety, it is not possible to hold a public drop-in exhibition on the plans. Instead, the council is holding an online event to present the proposals and provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions and offer comments.

Members of the project team will be online to answer questions about the scheme using a live chat function. These sessions will be held from 2pm - 3.30pm on Monday 15 March, and 7pm - 8.30pm on Thursday 18 March. Any questions that can’t be answered straight away will be replied to within 24 hours.

People who cannot visit the webpage will still be able to share their thoughts and questions during this time. A printed summary of the exhibition material is available for those with limited access to the web and an email address and phone number have been provided below.

The exhibition will be open from Monday 8 March to Monday 29 March and can be accessed at this website.

For any queries email: lodgehill@oxfordshire.gov.uk or call 01865 792422.