Access to Witney update

We are building new slip roads at the A40/B4022 Shores Green junction to improve access to Witney, reduce congestion in the town centre, and provide new footpaths and crossings.

Main works progressing on schedule 
 

Since May 2025, the Access to Witney main works have progressed at pace, with several milestones already reached. 

• Vegetation clearance has been completed to allow for the safe construction of both slip roads.
• The bulk of earthworks excavation is now complete, creating the foundations for the next stage of civil works.
• Traffic management measures are in place to protect both road users and our workforce while works are ongoing.
• Utilities diversion works have been successfully completed, ensuring minimal disruption to local services.

Access to Witney project delivers social value at Tower Hill Primary School

As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering social value through the Access to Witney project, our contractor team, M Group, recently carried out improvement works at Tower Hill Primary School in Witney.

In collaboration with Scofell Landscapes, the team helped transform the school’s woodland area, creating a more accessible and enjoyable space for pupils. The works included clearing overgrown brambles and bushes to open up the area, installing a new handrail along the pathway, repainting the wooden gazebo, and constructing a new sheltered bench area.

This initiative has significantly enhanced the school’s outdoor environment and reflects the project team’s dedication to giving back to the local community through the Access to Witney scheme.

Temporary A40 slip roads and B4022 night closure (1September 2025)

On Monday 1 September, there will be a night-time closure affecting the entry and exit slip roads to and from the A40 on the B4022. The closure will be in operation between 8pm and 6am. 

This closure is necessary to facilitate ongoing construction of the Access to Witney/Shores Green project, and will be clearly indicated by traffic and advance warning signs. Diversion signs will be in place on the road to suggest alternative routes.

Our plans for the environment 

While it's been necessary to remove some vegetation to enable construction, we have a robust landscaping and environmental protection strategy to restore the site. Key measures include:

• Re-vegetation of disturbed areas with native species and appropriate biodiversity offsetting off and onsite.
• Implementation of erosion control, measures to mitigate soil degradation.
• Continuous monitoring and restoration of natural habitats and ecosystems.
• Planting of trees, shrubs and hedges.
• Creation of wildlife-friendly habitats and ecological corridors.
• Implementation of measures to safeguard and enhance local biodiversity.

Project timeline



Public engagement  May 2021 - complete

Preferred option presented to Cabinet  July 2021 - complete

Planning application submission  Early 2022 - complete

Planning approval  Mid-2023 - complete

Detailed design commences  Early 2024 - complete

Compulsory purchases and side roads orders made  Sept 2024 - complete

Enabling works begin on site  February 2025 - complete

Construction begins on site  Spring 2025 - ongoing

Construction works completed  Summer 2026