North west Bicester strategic link road

The North west Bicester strategic link road is a major transport project to improve connections around Bicester and support planned homes, jobs and sustainable travel.

Previously known as the Howes Lane realignment and A4095 realignment scheme, the route would link the A4095 at Middleton Stoney Road and Howes Lane with Lords Lane through the railway underbridge completed in 2021. The council is currently developing the scheme design and preparing a planning application for submission in spring 2027.

Why we are investing here

North west Bicester is a significant growth area, with plans for around 6,000 homes and at least 3,500 jobs.

The strategic link road is a key piece of infrastructure needed to help improve connectivity, provide additional highway capacity, support economic growth and make it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport for everyday journeys.

What are we delivering?

The project will deliver:

• a new strategic link road through the north west Bicester housing development area
• walking, wheeling and cycling facilities
• public transport infrastructure
• highway improvements and new junction arrangements, including a connection to a new secondary school planned for the area
• and measures to improve the resilience of the transport network.

Over the next year we will be developing the preliminary design, carrying out environmental and technical assessments, preparing a planning application and progressing detailed design work. A feasibility study is also considering future arrangements for part of the existing Howes Lane corridor.

Preliminary design is expected to be completed in spring 2027, followed by submission of a planning application in spring 2027. Subject to the planning process, a decision is expected in winter 2027. Construction remains subject to planning approval, land agreements, delivery arrangements with partners, and funding.

Stay up to date

We will update this page as work progresses. Closer to the time, we will provide more information (in-person and online) about the planning application and how to share feedback.

Get in touch

If you have a question, please contact the project team by emailing NWBicesterSLR@Oxfordshire.gov.uk.

More information

Why is the strategic link road needed?

North west Bicester is a significant growth area, with plans for around 6,000 homes and at least 3,500 jobs. The strategic link road is needed to support this growth, improve connections around Bicester and encourage more journeys by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.

Has part of the scheme already been completed?

Yes. The first phase of the project was completed in 2021 and included construction of the railway underbridge through the railway embankment at Bicester and a separate underpass for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.  Developer Albion Land also completed a section of the road. The current project seeks to deliver the remaining sections of the road working with various partners.

Who are you working with and what are their roles?

We are working with house builders, developers, district and town councils and landowners to deliver this project.

Is this a new project?

No. The project was previously known as the Howes Lane realignment and A4095 realignment scheme. Planning permission for the first phase was originally granted in 2019, and the project is now being progressed as the north west Bicester strategic link road.

What stage is the project at?

The council is currently developing the preliminary design, carrying out environmental and technical assessments and preparing a planning application. When we complete the preliminary design, we will work on the detailed design.

When will a planning application be submitted?

We anticipate submitting a planning application in spring 2027. Subject to the planning process, a decision is expected in winter 2027.

When will construction start?

Construction remains subject to planning approval, land agreements, delivery arrangements and full funding. No construction start date has been confirmed.

What is happening with Howes Lane?

A feasibility study is being carried out to consider future arrangements for part of the existing Howes Lane corridor. No decisions have been made.

Who will decide whether the scheme goes ahead?

Oxfordshire County Council is developing the scheme and preparing the planning application. The application will be considered through the statutory planning process by Cherwell District Council.

How is the project being funded?

Funding has been secured for design and planning work. Construction remains subject to future funding arrangements, although developer funding has already been secured from sites with planning permission.

How can I stay informed?

We will update this page as the project progresses. We will also supplement the planning application process with in-person and online opportunities to ask questions and give feedback.