Oxfordshire Council Seeks Public Input on Revived A40 Road Project

The public is invited to provide feedback on a significant road upgrade project, which had been suspended two years prior because of financial constraints. Oxfordshire County Council’s A40 improvement initiative, connecting Oxford and Eynsham, recently obtained £126 million in government funding last month. Work on the road ceased in 2022, leaving a park and ride facility, constructed along the proposed path, unused. The project encompasses the creation of a new junction on the A40 to operationalize this park and ride, and individuals can submit their opinions on these proposals from November 25 through January 1. The planned construction will incorporate the addition of new bus lanes and enhanced infrastructure for walking and cycling. Furthermore, new signal-controlled crossings will be implemented to improve safety and ease of access for both pedestrians and cyclists. Initial construction on this route, which sees approximately 32,000 vehicles daily, commenced in November 2020 before its suspension two years subsequent. Councillor Judy Roberts, who serves as the council’s head of infrastructure and development strategy, stated: “This public engagement is an opportunity to review the detailed plans and we look forward to listening to residents’ feedback on the proposals.” She added, “This is an important project that will improve travel along the A40 in West Oxfordshire and help us realise the vision for a greener, more connected Oxfordshire.” Detailed plans, maps, and an online survey will be accessible via a council website. Additionally, two in-person exhibitions displaying the plans and designs are scheduled: at Cassington village hall on November 25 and at Eynsham village hall on December 4, both from 15:00 to 19:00 GMT. The financial backing for this development originates from Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund and the Department for Transport’s Local Growth Fund. Having secured the necessary funding, the council is now pursuing planning permission, and all collected feedback will be incorporated into the planning review. Should planning permission be approved, the council had previously indicated that construction might commence in early 2026 and extend for a duration of two years.