Kennington commuters urged to plan ahead for school time traffic

Work is progressing well on the A423 Oxford Southern Bypass Improvement Scheme with engineers working hard to convert Kennington roundabout into a “hamburger” layout, repair and resurface the road surface and bridge decks and introduce a new “free flow” slip road at Hinksey.

However the start of the new school year will see traffic levels increase significantly at peak times.

Plan to beat the traffic

County Councillor David Nimmo Smith, Cabinet member for transport, said: “Now is the time to look ahead and decide if you can vary your journey to avoid the busiest times or maybe look at a different mode of transport to avoid the roadworks altogether.

“The first day of the contraflow system was tough with the same number of drivers using half of the usual road space. In the days that followed drivers adjusted their journeys having seen the restrictions and delays reduced significantly.

“We are keen to let those who may not have seen first-hand the work at Kennington know that there are ways that they can potentially beat the traffic.

“One way would be to set off earlier or later to avoid the peak time. Some people could make their journey by train or bus which means not having to drive and also takes cars off the roads.

“You can get more information on how to plan your journey at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/travelchoices”

Oxfordshire County Council is investing more than £6 million of City Deal funding in a project that will bring a new “hamburger” style roundabout to Kennington Roundabout as well as traffic-flow improvement measures at Hinksey Hill Interchange, and the refurbishment of four bridges in the area.

The improvements to Kennington and Hinksey Hill roundabouts is a transport project that forms part of the Oxford and Oxfordshire City Deal - an agreement with the government to support the Oxfordshire economy by investing in science and technology.

Around 60,000 vehicles a day pass through the junctions and the scheme has been designed to increase capacity by 30 per cent in the evening peak period. Work is due to be complete by the end of November 2014.

Long term benefits

County Councillor Nimmo Smith said: “Although motorists will be experiencing delays in the short term, I am sure they will be looking forward to the long term benefits that the finished scheme will provide.

“More capacity, resurfaced roads and a new popular ‘hamburger’ layout will make for quicker and less congested journeys in the future.”

More information on the work, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, can be found here.