A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme accelerates towards construction
A major scheme to improve travel through the county, particularly for residents in North Abingdon, has taken another step towards construction.
Oxfordshire County Council has now formally entered into a grant funding agreement with Homes England to secure £17.33 million of infrastructure grant funding for the A34 Lodge Hill interchange scheme. This is the first scheme to enter into contract with Homes England for the provision of Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land (BIL) funding.
The county council has also entered into a contract with Balfour Beatty for the design and build of the scheme. Detailed design has already begun, with construction of the local traffic calming works and the layby upgrades to the A34 expected to start later this year. The main construction of the two new south-facing A34 slip roads is anticipated to start in autumn 2024, lasting approximately two years.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “The A34 Lodge Hill scheme will improve connectivity to and from the north of Abingdon, avoiding the town centre and making it easier for people to choose walking, cycling or taking public transport as part of their daily routine.
“Securing funding from Homes England and appointing a design and build contractor represents major milestones for the project, and the council is now in a strong position to accelerate towards construction. This project has been in development for a long time and is much needed and wanted by the residents of Abingdon.”
The council will work in partnership with Balfour Beatty to satisfy the planning conditions as soon as practicably possible, as well as work collaboratively with National Highways to agree the design and construction methodology, followed by construction of the new A34 slip roads.
Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, said: “We are pleased to have now entered into contract with Oxfordshire County Council. Our multi-million pound funding will provide strategic transport infrastructure, unlocking 820 homes in north Abingdon and supporting wider housing and economic growth in the area.
“We are committed to working with ambitious local authority partners seeking to meet their local housing needs through delivery of key infrastructure.”
Matt Parkes, Project Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are pleased to be working alongside Oxfordshire County Council to bring the A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme to life. This important transport infrastructure project will support regional economic growth and on completion, will significantly improve connectivity and accessibility for local residents and the travelling public alike.”
Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.