£126m of funding agreed for A40 improvements in West Oxfordshire
A new road junction will allow a park and ride site in Eynsham to come into use
£126m of funding has been agreed for major improvements to the A40 in West Oxfordshire.
The money, from Homes England and the Department for Transport, will help fund the construction of a new road junction linking the A40 to a park and ride in Eynsham.
It will enable the site to be bought into use, after construction of the car park was completed earlier in 2024.
Bus lanes between Eynsham and Oxford will also be constructed, and improved walking and cycling infrastructure also built.
County Council: Funding will contribute towards a 'more sustainable, healthier and connected' Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, Councillor, Judy Roberts, called the funding a "crucial step towards improving the overall travel experience along the A40 in West Oxfordshire."
"We are prioritising improvements to bus travel here, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure to help create a more sustainable, healthier and connected county."
"This project could really bring a step change in travel for those who live in, work in and visit West Oxfordshire and for people using the A40 between Witney, Eynsham and Oxford."
The funding comes after an extensive review of the A40 improvements programme amid rising inflation and higher construction costs since the scheme was first agreed in 2020.
Oxfordshire County Council say other works as part of the scheme could be provided once funding is secured.
Reacting to the news, Conservative councillor Liam Walker welcomed the funding, but said he was "disappointed" that plans to dual the A40 between Witney and Eynsham were not included.
Planning permission for the construction is yet to be approved, and Oxfordshire County Council say a number of public engagement opportunities are planned from November.
If permission is approved, construction could start in early 2026 and last for two years.