A40 Access to Witney
This scheme proposes adding westbound slip roads at the A40/B4022 Shores Green junction to improve access to Witney.
About the project
The proposed junction upgrade forms part of the wider Witney Area Strategy, started in 2014, to improve access between the town and the A40. This final improvement at the Shores Green junction on the A40 will add west-facing slip roads.
This will enable traffic from northeast Witney to travel west on the A40 toward Burford without travelling through the town centre and Bridge Street, or the A40 / Ducklington Lane junction in Witney.
Your questions answered
View your questions about Access to Witney answered for more details.
Why we are investing here
The proposals to address traffic and transport issues on the section of the A40 between Witney and Oxford will result in:
- better transport connections and access
- new jobs and housing
- reduced emissions of harmful pollutants
- more sustainable travel options.
The improvements at the Shores Green junction will give residents more choices, particularly those from east and northeast Witney wanting to travel westbound on the A40 or to access services and employment in West Witney. The improvements will help alleviate existing congestion and air quality problems in Witney town centre, particularly at A4095 Bridge Street. In addition, they will support the delivery of major new housing development sites planned in east and north Witney as part of the West Oxfordshire Local Plan.
The scheme will also improve connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the area, including South Leigh.
| Activity | Target date |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Compulsory purchases and side roads orders made |
Mid-2024 |
| Construction begins on site | Late 2024 |
| Construction works completed | Late 2025 |
How it is going to be funded
The A40 Access to Witney improvement scheme is funded by a combination of Housing and Growth Deal (HGD) funds and Section 106 developer contributions.
The total cost of the scheme is estimated to be £25 million.
CPO and SRO for the Access to Witney scheme
On 12 July 2023, the CPO and SRO for the Access to Witney scheme were formally published.