A40 Eynsham Park and Ride to Wolvercote scheme

About the project

The planning application for the A40 Eynsham Park and Ride to Wolvercote project was submitted on 27 June 2025.

The project will deliver a new junction connecting the new park and ride at Eynsham to the A40, new bus lanes, and upgraded walking and cycling facilities. 

This infrastructure will improve the journeys of current and future residents, as well as visitors to Oxford, by opening up new travel options and making journeys quicker and safer. 

The latest scheme designs result from an extensive review of the A40 improvements programme, which had to be done due to continued high inflation and increases to construction costs since 2020. 

Despite the challenges, the council has worked with government funding partners to secure the required funding through adapting the programme design and phasing its delivery. 

The scheme complements other projects along the A40 corridor between Witney and Oxford, including Eynsham park and ride (built), Oxford North corridor improvements (built) and the Shores Green interchange slip roads (Access to Witney scheme - construction to complete in Summer 2026).  

Elements of the scheme

The full scheme, which measures 7.3km / 4.5miles in length, includes the following:  

• Full bus priority eastbound along the A40 between the new Eynsham park and ride and Wolvercote
• Bus priority westbound along the A40 between Cassington and the new Eynsham park and ride   
• A high-quality active travel route along the A40 between the new Eynsham park and ride and Wolvercote, featuring the following upgrades:   
  • South side new 3m wide shared path continuous from Eynsham park and ride through to Wolvercote (longer term, walking and cycling trips will be concentrated on the south side of the A40 moving east of Eynsham)
  • The north side has a new and widened shared path between the Eynsham park and ride site, the A40 - Lower Road junction, and through Cassington.
• Five new and two upgraded signal-controlled crossings of the A40 for pedestrians and active travel users
• A new junction onto the A40 from the park and ride, located to the west of Eynsham
• Major junction improvements and capacity enhancement at Cassington and at the A40 Lower Road roundabout
• New bus stops and bus shelters throughout   
• New planting and landscaping   
• Improved drainage and flood risk management measures.
• Road safety improvements, new road signage, and new lighting through built-up areas

While the scheme's planning application covers the full scope, the scheme's delivery will be done in phases. The first phase will be delivered using the available funding from the government. It includes the following:  

A. between Eynsham Park and Ride and Cassington (approx. 3.5 km):  

• A new A40 junction at the park and ride site
• Continuous eastbound and westbound bus lanes
• Upgrades to active travel (walking and cycling) pathways on the north and south sides
• Five new A40 controlled crossings
• Two upgraded A40 controlled crossings at Witney Rd and Cassington Junction
• Improvements to uncontrolled crossings    
• Capacity enhancements at Lower Road roundabout
• Major capacity enhancement of the two signalised junctions at Cassington.  

B. Over Duke's Cut Bridges (approx. 800m):  

• An eastbound bus lane over Duke's Cut bridges connecting to the eastbound bus lane at Oxford North
• An upgraded and widened active travel pathway on the south side connecting with Oxford North.  

The first phase of work has been designed to safeguard the future delivery of the remaining elements of the full scheme. When further funding becomes available, the county council can deliver the remaining phases without delay.  

Why we are investing here

This project will improve transport connections, promote sustainable travel options, and reduce emissions. 

It will also create new jobs and support the requirements of major local housing developments in West Oxfordshire.  

Once delivered, the project will help increase the road's total passenger capacity along the corridor by expanding bus and active travel infrastructure and increasing travel mode choice. 

• New park and ride access junction: This will bring the park and ride site/mobility hub into operation, meaning higher frequency bus services along the A40 to West Oxfordshire
  The junction will provide improved crossing facilities for people walking and cycling across and along the A40.
• A40 bus lanes: This infrastructure will unlock more frequent, fast, and reliable bus services to/from Eynsham for travel to Oxford
• New and improved A40 bus stops: Bus stops along the A40 in the project area will be improved, and new ones will also be established to serve Eynsham. Along with the park and ride, these bus stops will provide convenient access to frequent bus services for residents and visitors

Where we are now

Funding has been secured for the scheme's first phase, and the plans have been presented to the public. 

The planning application submitted for the scheme on 27 June 2025 reflects feedback from the public engagement and engagement with stakeholders. 

Construction will begin after the planning application is approved and is expected to take 24 months, finishing by summer 2028. 

How it is being funded

The first phase of the scheme is valued at £126m. 

The scheme is funded from central government sources: Homes England's Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), Local Growth Fund, and Housing and Growth Deal, as well as from Section 106 developer contributions.

How to get in touch

We will update this page regularly with our progress. If you have any questions about this project, contact the delivery team by emailing A40corridor@oxfordshire.gov.uk. You can also contact our Highways Enquiries team by calling 0345 310 1111 if you have a concern about something you have seen in the area.

For more information, see the frequently asked questions page.