Construction starts on project to improve bus journeys in Banbury

Work on a project to give Banbury residents better travel choices along the town’s Cherwell Street will start on Wednesday night (7 January).

Oxfordshire County Council is working with its contractor M Group Limited to widen traffic lanes and make improvements to traffic signals between the George Street and Bridge Street junctions. When finished, the improvements will make bus journeys through Banbury town centre more reliable, while creating safer pedestrian crossings at junctions.

Night work on the Bridge Street and George Street junctions will run throughout January, as part of a seven month construction programme.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “This project aims to maintain Banbury’s bus services in the long-term, focused at two busy junctions. When the work is finished this summer, Banbury will benefit from better pedestrian crossings and improved access for buses, making the town centre more accessible and more attractive to travel to on foot or by bus. We also plan to connect this work up to other improvements planned for cyclists in the future.

“January is a busy first month for this project, and what we are doing on site will change frequently. Temporary traffic lights and signage will always be in place along with diversion routes to keep people safe. I recommend people plan their journeys in advance and go through the road works carefully.”

The work involves improving the current George Street bus lane; access for buses into Bridge Street west; and the crossing facilities and signalling at the Bridge Street and George Street junctions.

The configuration of work areas, lane closures and pedestrian diversions will change throughout January. Access for businesses and emergency services will always be maintained. Smart traffic lights with remote monitoring will help manage congestion and keep traffic moving.

Night work is being used to minimise daytime disruption.

Construction will take place simultaneously at the George Street and Bridge Street junctions, to enable the project to finish in summer 2026.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Key elements of the improvement project include:

·       A longer running lane for left-turning vehicles (including buses) on Cherwell Street.

·       Upgraded pedestrian facilities with new crossings to benefit people walking, cycling, and wheeling.

·       Optimised traffic signals along Cherwell Street and the area between the George Street and Bridge Street junctions.

·       Enhanced road markings and signage to improve traffic flow and safety.

The scheme is funded from Department for Transport Bus Service Improvement Plan monies with local developer Section 106 contributions paying for the pedestrian safety improvements.

Sign up for regular updates and full details of the improvements by visiting Oxfordshire County Council’s website, where more information on forthcoming construction phases can also be found: oxfordshire.gov.uk/cherwellstreetbus

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