A40 Access to Witney/Shores Green project
This scheme will construct new west-facing slip roads at the A40/B4022 Shores Green junction to improve access to Witney.
Planned overnight road closures and works
A programme of overnight highway works is currently scheduled to take place between April and May 2026. Please note that all dates and works listed below are subject to change. Residents and road users are advised to check our website regularly for the latest information and any updates to the programme.
From 7 April 2026 for nine nights
Overnight resurfacing works will be carried out on the B4022.
- the B4022 will be closed throughout the works
- both the on-slip and off-slip roads will also be closed
- signed diversion routes will be in place
From 20 April 2026 for three nights
Resurfacing works will take place on the A40.
- the A40 will be closed overnight in both eastbound and westbound directions
From 23 April 2026 for two nights
Finish any remaining resurfacing work and associated white lining on the B4022.
- the B4022, including the on-slip and off-slip roads, will be closed overnight
- final details of these works are to be confirmed
From 4 May 2026 for five nights
Overnight closures will be required to allow for signage installation and vegetation clearance.
- the A40 eastbound will be closed between Downs Road Roundabout and Ducklington Roundabout
- access will be managed via signed diversion routes
From 11 May 2026 for five nights
Further overnight works will be carried out to install road markings, including the centre line, extending beyond the current site limits.
- the A40 will be closed in both directions between the Oxford Hill slip roads and Hill Farm
- diversions will be clearly signed throughout the closure period
Fig 1 - Traffic Management Plan for A40 closure
Ongoing restrictions
From 5 January 2026 to 30 April 2026, new temporary traffic signals and pedestrian diversions will be in place as follows:
- 3-Way Traffic Lights: Temporary signals will be positioned on the B4022 (just south of the bridge), on South Leigh Road, and at the end of the westbound off-slip.
- Bus Stop Relocation: The current bus stop will be temporarily moved. A new stop will be installed approximately 75 metres from the existing one.
Pedestrian Access: For pedestrians, a dedicated pedestrian route will be maintained through the works area
From 10 February 2025 until the end of construction,
- the speed limit on the A40 within the scheme extents will be temporarily reduced to 50mph and the B4022 within the Scheme extents will also be temporarily reduced to 30mph.
- Lane 1 of the A40 within this project area will be closed in both directions. Other lanes will remain open to traffic.
Appropriate traffic signs are displayed to indicate when traffic measures are in force. The alternative route for traffic affected by any closure is via signed diversion route.
Any major construction project that modifies an existing highway will cause disruption. We are doing all we can to mitigate disruption to the greatest extent possible through phased implementation and speed limit reductions for the safety of our road network users and our workforce. We appreciate your patience as these improvements are carried out.
About the project
The A40 - Access to Witney scheme is delivering new west-facing slip roads at the A40/B4022 Shores Green junction to improve access to Witney. This project forms part of the wider Witney Area Strategy, started in 2014, to improve access between Witney and the A40.
The improvements will enable more local and through traffic to the A40 without needing to travel through Witney town centre or use the A40/Ducklington Lane junction. The scheme will provide new walking and cycling paths and crossings on the B4022 and alongside the A40 that will provide improved and safer connections in the area.
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
- reduced emissions of harmful pollutants
- more sustainable travel options
- new jobs and housing
The improvements at the Shores Green junction will give residents more choices, particularly those wanting to access the A40. Crucially, it will enable more local and through traffic to access the A40 without needing to travel through Witney town centre or use the A40/Ducklington Lane junction.
The improvements will help alleviate existing congestion and air quality problems in Witney town centre, particularly at A4095 Bridge Street.
The scheme will provide new walking and cycling paths and crossings on the B4022 and alongside the A40 that will provide improved and safer connections between South Leigh, High Cogges and Witney and to the shared path along the A40 to Oxford.
In addition, the scheme will support the delivery of new homes proposed in the West Oxfordshire Local Plan.
| Timetable of activity | |
|---|---|
| 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- complete |
| Compulsory purchases and side roads orders made |
Sept 2024 - complete |
| Enabling works begin on site | February 2025 - complete |
| Construction begins on site | Spring 2025 - ongoing |
| Construction works completed | Summer 2026 |
Current activity
Following the successful completion of the enabling works, the main works construction for the Access to Witney (Shores Green) project officially began in May 2025. The project remains on course to be completed in 2026.
How it is funded
The A40 Access to Witney improvement scheme is funded by Housing and Growth Deal (HGD) funds and Section 106 developer contributions.
The estimated cost of the scheme £25 million.
CPO and SRO for the Access to Witney scheme
On 30 September 2024, the Secretary of State for Transport issued her decision to confirm the CPO and the SRO for the Access to Witney scheme. The confirmed orders, together with the Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State’s Decision Letter, can be found through the link below.
More information
This webpage will provide further information as the project progresses. A frequently asked questions page is provided and updated regularly. You can also follow us on Facebook and Nextdoor to receive regular updates on the project.
You can sign up to get an update on the project directly to your email by emailing us (with the subject “Access to Witney newsletter”) to A40witneyaccess@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
If you would like to reach out to the project team for any other reason, send an email to A40witneyaccess@oxfordshire.gov.uk