Plans approved to improve journeys between Witney and Oxford

Residents are set to benefit from improvements to bus lanes and walking and cycling upgrades along the A40 after the county council’s cabinet agreed proposals for a major project at its meeting on 18 July.

The approved proposals aim to improve access between Witney and Oxford. They include dedicated bus lanes between Eynsham Park and Ride and Oxford, as well as the addition of controlled crossings and upgraded shared-use paths to make walking and cycling safer along the historically congested A40 between Witney and Oxford. 

Councillor Duncan Enright, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, said: “This investment in travel along the A40 is much needed. Our intention is to make it easier to access West Oxfordshire, and to make best use of the funds available to improve bus services and prioritise active travel. The new, improved cycle route will offer better and safer facilities for residents and visitors alike.” 

These approved proposals form one phase of a wider A40 improvements programme and will contribute to the council’s vision for a greener, healthier county. It complements other travel projects (including the park and ride under construction at Eynsham), working together to help reduce traffic, improve bus services and make walking and cycling safer across Oxfordshire. 

In light of global inflationary pressures, the A40 improvements programme has been under review since autumn 2022. The county council has been working with partners to review funding for the whole programme. The government’s housing infrastructure fund (HIF2) will be used to construct this proposed stage.

Public consultation and stakeholder engagement on the plans will follow and later phases of work will be planned and delivered as funding becomes available.   

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the project team -a40corridor@oxfordshire.gov.uk