Oxfordshire County Council welcomes proposals for underpass at Bicester’s London Road crossing
Oxfordshire County Council has welcomed East West Rail’s latest proposed inclusion of an underpass option for the London Road level crossing in Bicester.
The council has indicated that it would, in principle, be prepared to provide some funding to help make it a reality, subject to alignment with its own adopted policy and wider needs and demands in Bicester.
The development of East West Rail, linking Oxford with Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford, will mean the closure of Bicester London Road level crossing due to an increase in the frequency of trains passing through it, prompting the need to find alternative routes for motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
On Wednesday, East West Railway Company (EWR Co) published its latest proposals for Oxford and Bicester, shaped by extensive public consultation and detailed technical design work.
Their revised underpass design now includes an underpass option which East West Rail proposes as a single-lane road that could be used by vehicles, alongside a protected active travel corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. However, they said this would be subject to securing third-party funding contributions.
The alternative bridge with lift and step only access option remains a risk. The county council considers this unacceptable and continues to argue against its inclusion as an option.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We very much support the East West Rail project and welcome EWR Co’s introduction of an underpass option for their plans for the London Road level crossing, and we hope to be able to provide financial support for the project.
“However, other sources will be required to ensure full funding of the underpass. We will hold discussions with EWR Co and the government on how additional local funding can be raised from existing funding streams.
“We look forward to seeing the assessment work on the proposed solution and what impact it would have on the local road network. It is vital that any plans align with our own adopted policy and the wider needs and demands of Bicester.”
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