A40 Road Scheme Start Date Clarified Following Initial Error

Confirmation has been provided that construction for a £25 million road project is now scheduled to commence in “early 2025,” following an inaccuracy in the initial public statement. Duncan Enright of the Labour party stated that the commencement date for the Access to Witney initiative, which entails the construction of new slip roads at the A40’s intersection with Shores Green, was initially communicated as 2026 during a full council assembly. The expectation had been for the project to begin this year, considering it had been in the planning stages for nearly 15 years. During an appearance on BBC Radio Oxford, Mr. Enright urged local residents to “get down and take photos, get evidence” once the construction commences. The Access to Witney scheme forms a component of broader A40 upgrades between Witney and Oxford, which are designed to provide “a new park and ride, new bus lanes, junction improvements, and better walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure.” This plan involves constructing westbound slip roads at the A40/B4022 Shores Green interchange, enabling vehicles traveling from the east to enter the westbound A40 without needing to pass through the town center. An Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson verified that construction is now slated to start in early 2025 and conclude in spring 2026. The project was originally expected to commence in November of the current year but experienced delays attributed to “a delay in land negotiations and the compulsory purchase order decision,” the spokesperson further explained. Mr. Enright stated that before Tuesday’s council meeting, the traffic closure order for 2024 works had been revoked, “and initially a 2026 start date was given.” “We had a scare,” he added. “This was subsequently amended to 2025 but there is still concern about when exactly we will see this crucial work completed,” he noted. He mentioned that all Labour councillors in Witney intend to “keep a very close eye on progress and expect work to begin early in the New Year.” “People across Witney are incredibly frustrated by this delay… I share the frustration,” he further commented. He also stated that the initiative is expected to “both address congestion and pollution levels” within the town. “It’s going to be really great place for public transport but it’s also… a really wonderful place for the markets and the events, and the shops are going to do even better,” he remarked. The county council additionally stated that a new temporary traffic regulation order has been implemented, and the placement of advance warning signs is scheduled to commence next month. Residents are still able to submit their opinions regarding the A40 Eynsham Park and Ride to Wolvercote project until January 1. For updates, BBC Oxfordshire can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.