A40 Access to Witney
This scheme will construct new west-facing slip roads at the A40/B4022 Shores Green junction to improve access to Witney.
Traffic restrictions during construction
From 22 September until the end of November, there will be some adjustments to the current traffic management arrangements on the B4022. The changes will see the existing three-way traffic lights reduced to a two-way system, which will help to minimise waiting times for road users.
In addition, a newly constructed footpath will be opened for pedestrians, providing a safer and more convenient alternative to the temporary footway currently in place.
The lane closure will be positioned on the same side as the site compound, meaning there will be fewer lorries and vehicles needing to cross the carriageway. This should further improve safety and reduce disruption for both pedestrians and motorists.
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.
Fig 1. Diversion route
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.
| 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. Since then, many milestones have already been reached:
- Vegetation clearance has been completed to allow for the safe construction of both slip roads.
- The bulk of earthworks excavation is now complete, creating the foundations for the next stage of civil works.
- Traffic management measures are in place to protect both road users and our workforce while works are ongoing.
- Utilities diversion works have been successfully completed, ensuring minimal disruption to local services.
The project remains on course to be completed in the summer of 2026.
Our plans for the environment
While it has been necessary to remove some vegetation to enable construction, we have a robust landscaping and environmental protection strategy to restore the site. Key measures include:
- Re-vegetation of disturbed areas with native species and appropriate biodiversity offsetting both off and onsite.
- Implementation of erosion control measures to mitigate soil degradation.
- Continuous monitoring and restoration of natural habitats and ecosystems.
- Planting of trees, shrubs and hedges.
- Creation of wildlife-friendly habitats and ecological corridors.
- Implementation of measures to safeguard and enhance local biodiversity.
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 cost of the scheme £26.8 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.
We send out a regular newsletter that keeps you informed about the project's progress. It features photos and showcases the additional social value created by the project. Past updates can be found below:
Sign up for the newsletter, or email A40witneyaccess@oxfordshire.gov.uk with the subject line “newsletter”.
If you would like to reach out to the project team for any other reason, send an email to A40witneyaccess@oxfordshire.gov.uk