Early-stage construction work starts on major infrastructure scheme for Didcot and surrounding areas
Early-stage construction work has started on vital transport infrastructure to reduce congestion and offer more sustainable travel options in and around Didcot and its surrounding villages.
The Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure scheme will transform travel and transport in the Didcot area by providing more sustainable travel options in and around the town, as well as reducing congestion in the surrounding villages and improving air quality and noise levels.
The project includes four highway sections that incorporate dualling the A4130 between the Milton Interchange and Didcot, a new bridge over the railway line, a new bridge over the River Thames between Didcot and Culham and a bypass of Clifton Hampden village.
The project will facilitate new and enhanced bus services and will also feature 19km of new walking and cycleways. It will provide opportunities for more direct, faster and more reliable bus routes and improve pedestrian, cycling and wheeling connections.
Early-stage works currently underway include:
- Erection of temporary fencing, including tree protection measures
- Archaeological investigations
- Vegetation and site clearance to facilitate archaeological activities
- Set up of main compounds and site offices
- Utility diversions
Main construction is expected to start in early spring 2026.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “After nearly ten years in development, I am very excited to see the scheme approaching a key milestone – the start of construction.
“The work here will provide opportunities for more direct, faster and more reliable bus routes and improve pedestrian, cycling and wheeling connectivity.
“This will help encourage a shift from private car travel to more active and sustainable kinds of travel which are better for everyone, and a new crossing over the River Thames will help improve public transport journey time and reliability, by offering more resilience for public transport, from flooding.
“The Science Vale is a significant area of economic growth and is a "hot spot" for enterprise and innovation that spans both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts. It is home to a significant proportion of the region's scientific, research and development, and high technology businesses. This is an investment, mainly from central government, in the local economy.”
With the enabling works now underway, the council is also hosting a series of drop-in information events, across Didcot and the surrounding villages, where members of the public can view designs for all the sections of the scheme and learn about the emerging construction programme. The events will also provide an opportunity for people to ask questions and discuss any concerns with the project team. Further details about the events can be found on the council's website.
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