A423 Kennington improvements programme
We are improving the Kennington stretch of A423, including the replacement of the existing bridge structure and further additions, to prioritise space for cycling, walking and public transport. The programme will also enable flood alleviation for the area as part of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme (OFAS), to be delivered by the Environment Agency (EA).
Planning application now open for comment
Plans have been submitted for the A423 Kennington improvements and the application will be available to view and comment on from Thursday 9 March until Sunday 9 April.
Trial holes completed
Night work to dig trial holes has now been successfully completed. The work took place from 24 January to 10 February and has helped to plan the diversion of water mains as part of the wider planned improvements.
Planning engagement
We hosted a digital exhibition of our plans from Monday 26 September to Sunday 23 October 2022.
We also hosted four walk-in face-to-face sessions where the same information was available and people could ask questions. The events took place at St Luke's Church on Wednesday 28 September and Kennington Village Hall on Thursday 29 September.
The exhibition included a feedback form, the results of which informed our planning submission made on 1 February. A consultation on the plans will open in late February and the planning committee hopes to reach a decision in June.
The feedback form is now closed, but the results will also inform how we keep people updated about these improvements.
Video update
About the improvements
The A423 Kennington improvement programme includes:
- the replacement of Kennington Rail Bridge.
- a shared path for walking and cycling.
- a new eastbound bus lane – also for use by vehicles travelling to Redbridge Park and Ride.
- increased capacity of the Hinksey streams for flood alleviation.
Figure 1. A layout picture showing where the work will take place on the A423
Why we are investing here
We are investing across the county to provide a modern, sustainable travel network to enable people to rely less on their cars. This means putting better bus, as well as cycling and walking infrastructure at the centre of our major projects.
Kennington Rail bridge is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. Reconstruction of the bridge will ensure safety for all users as well as the opportunity to prioritise road space for bus, walking and cycling.
Timescales
| Activity | Target date |
|---|---|
| Public engagement | Autumn 2022 |
| Planning application submission | Winter 2022 |
| Detailed design | Winter 2022 - Summer 2023 |
| Start of main construction | Winter 2023/24 |
This may be subject to change, due to the complexities of the work involved.
What you can expect
Kennington Rail Bridge will remain open until we start building works. We will rebuild the bridge half at a time so that traffic can flow over the remaining half of the bridge.
Temporary widening and contraflow traffic management will also be in place (more details will be available closer to construction).
Phase 1 - Safeguarding work
The bridge has been propped at its piers and its load-carrying capacity of the bridge will be increased for work to be carried out safely.
Phase 2 – Reconstruction
The bridge reconstruction work will involve several elements:
A423 Eastbound Bus Lane
We are proposing to widen the A423 eastbound from Hinksey Hill to introduce an additional all-traffic lane for left-turning vehicles from the A34 Hinksey Hill Roundabout to Old Abingdon Road, creating a three-lane carriageway.
The new lane from Old Abingdon Road to Redbridge Park & Ride will be for exclusive use by buses and vehicles using the Park and Ride. The approach to Kennington Roundabout will become four lanes as a result of the additional bus/ Park and Ride traffic lane.
Walking and cycling facilities
We will create a shared-use path to the north of the A423 by upgrading the existing footway between Hinksey Hill and Old Abingdon Road.
Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme (OFAS)
The work on the Kennington Rail bridge forms an integral part of OFAS.
Combining the bridge replacement works with the flood alleviation scheme requirements will minimise disruption on the A423 and maximise value for money.
The EA submitted its planning application in March 2022. For more information on OFAS, visit the EA FAQ page on their scheme.
How it is being funded
The scheme is being financed through multiple sources including the county council, Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and OFAS.
Contact us
If you would like to know more, you can contact us by emailing A423Kenningtonimprovements@oxfordshire.gov.uk