Frequently asked questions about Didcot infrastructure improvements
The Didcot Garden Town Transport Scheme is a £332 million programme of new transport infrastructure to reduce congestion, improve journey times, and support new homes and employment in South Oxfordshire.
The scheme is expected to directly unlock 11,711 new homes. Supporting the delivery of more than 17,000 in total across.
Funding
The £332 million project is fully funded. Successful discussions with the government in 2022, and again in 2024, resulted in additional grants from Homes England.
Approval was also given to underwrite up to £30m from Oxfordshire County Council's capital budget in February 2022. Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership contributed a £10m capital investment generated from Enterprise Zones’ business rates retention.
Programme timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| November 2021 | Planning application submitted |
| February–May 2024 | Public Inquiry held |
| December 2024 | Planning approved by the Secretary of State |
| July 2025 | Land orders confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport |
| Early 2026 | Construction starts. It will take around two years. |
The four scheme elements
- A4130 Widening — 40 mph
- Science Bridge — 30 mph
- Didcot to Culham River Crossing — 30 mph at the southern end, 50 mph elsewhere
- Clifton Hampden Bypass — 40 mph at the southern end at the new roundabout, 50 mph elsewhere
Land acquisition
Every effort is being made to acquire the necessary land and rights by private agreement. Where agreement cannot be reached, compulsory purchase powers are available until 29 July 2028. These will only be used as a last resort. Negotiations with affected parties are continuing.
Environment and wildlife
A full Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out, covering ecological aspects. All impacts are being mitigated or avoided in line with applicable legislation. The landscaping strategy includes new planting alongside sections of the scheme.
Construction and traffic disruption
A Construction Traffic Management Plan will minimise disruption during works. The four elements will be carefully phased to avoid simultaneous works at multiple locations. Residents will be informed of traffic management arrangements closer to the start of construction. Live roadworks information will be available throughout via One Network.
Pedestrian and cycling provision
The type of pedestrian and cycle crossing at each location is determined by the environment, expected usage, and speed limit. Further Road Safety Audits will inform the final design at each crossing point.
For questions about the programme contact the Delivery Team.