Shores Green junction improvements near construction
A project to reduce congestion and improve air quality in Witney town centre has taken a step forward today as a contract has been awarded to build the access to Witney scheme at Shores Green junction. The Oxfordshire County Council project will introduce new slip roads, diverting traffic from travelling through Witney centre.
The decision to award the contract for construction to Milestone Infrastructure was approved today by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy.
The new slip roads are part of the Witney area strategy which is aimed at improving travel between Witney and the A40. When the project is complete, traffic from northeast Witney will be able to travel westbound on the A40 towards Burford, bypassing the town centre, Bridge Street, and the A40/Ducklington Lane junction.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said:
“I’m pleased to see progress in another element of the A40 programme which is delivering improvements to the A40 between Witney and Oxford.
“In addition to the slip roads, the scheme will provide new walking and cycling facilities on the B4022 and alongside the A40 that will improve connections between South Leigh, High Cogges and Witney and to the path along the A40 to Oxford. These improvements demonstrate the council’s commitment to better connectivity and infrastructure not only for buses and cars but also for those walking, wheeling and cycling.”
Following the contract award, enabling work for construction is expected to begin in September, with major construction works starting in November.
More Information
- The estimated total value of the scheme is £25 million.
- The scheme is funded through a combination of the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal and Section 106 contributions from developers.
- The improvements at Shores Green junction will support the delivery of major new housing development sites planned in east and north Witney as part of the West Oxfordshire Local Plan.
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