New Access to Witney slip roads to open to traffic

New slip roads at the A40/B4022 Shores Green junction are scheduled to open to traffic at 10am on 17 July 2026, improving access to Witney from and to the A40 and helping to reduce traffic through the town centre.

The Oxfordshire County Council project was carried out by M Group and forms part of wider work to improve transport connections in the area, supporting more reliable journeys for residents, businesses and those travelling through.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “New A40 slip roads have been sought by residents of Witney for many years, and it is great to see them open to traffic, taking through journeys out of the town centre. Witney is a vibrant town, and reducing traffic here will make it healthier, more accessible and attractive as a place to spend time.

“Alongside the new junction, the project has provided improvements for walking and cycling, including 1.2km of shared-use path, creating more choice of different ways to travel.

“Completing this project on time and to budget is an important achievement. I would like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience during construction.”

As well as the new slip roads, the project includes improvements for walking and cycling, new crossings, and upgraded signs and drainage, helping to support safer and more sustainable travel and enable long-term housing growth in the area.

Enabling works for the project started in February 2025, with construction commencing in spring 2025.

The project was funded by Homes England, alongside Housing and Growth Deal funding and Section 106 developer contributions.

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