A34 Lodge Hill Interchange

Why we are investing here

The area has seen and will continue to see significant growth in the coming years, and investment is needed now so that the transport network can meet the demands that will be placed upon it in the future. This will be done by increasing the junction capacity and overall network performance and resilience.

The planning application for the A34 Lodge Hill scheme was submitted in October 2022, and planning approval for the scheme was granted in September 2023. 

The project will provide new infrastructure to:

• optimise the junction capacity at Lodge Hill
• provide new access and shorter journey times
• enable more than 1000 new homes in Abingdon by 2031
• support and enable economic growth in the wider Science Vale area, increasing opportunities for local people

What you can expect

We are delivering the following key construction elements:

New south-facing slip roads

• Dumbell configuration (one bridge, two roundabouts where the slip roads come off the A34 and join up with the A4183 Oxford Road)
• Upgraded pedestrian and cycling facilities:
  • Extension of shared footway/cycleway on the eastern length of the A4183 (south of the southern roundabout) to provide a continuous cycle link.
  • Inclusion of an uncontrolled crossing and island on the A4183 (near to the garages) to the south of the southern roundabout. Between the north and southbound bus laybys.
  • Extension of the shared footway/cycleway across the western length of the southern roundabout.
  • Inclusion of a Toucan Crossing on the south slip. Traffic modelling undertaken has confirmed that a Toucan Crossing at this location is acceptable.
  • Designated pedestrian crossing point on the north slip and roundabout

Harwell Southbound layby upgrades on the A34

• Speed limit reduction from 50mph to 40 mph on A4183.
• Replacement of the south side parapet on the A4183 bridge
• Installation of new streetlights
• Improved landscaping
• Provision of the new access road to the existing businesses on the Egertons access road
• Localised traffic calming works

Minimising the impact

To ensure the safe construction of the project, various traffic management measures will be implemented, including narrow lanes on the A34, lane closures, temporary traffic signals, and some overnight road closures for specific safety critical activities.

Due to the project’s complexity, the work will be divided into five phases per roundabout. Traffic flow will remain uninterrupted for most of the project.

However, at the beginning and end, some lane closures and temporary traffic lights will be required to facilitate the work. These will be scheduled to minimise disruption.

In case of an incident on the A34, traffic management will be minimised where possible to reduce congestion while maintaining safety

How it is being funded

The scheme is being funded through a combination of Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Housing Growth Deal funding, infrastructure grant funding from Homes England and Section 106 contributions from developers. The A34 Lodge Hill scheme was the first to enter into a contract with Homes England for the provision of infrastructure grant funding through Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land (BIL) Fund

Contracts with Balfour Beatty Group Limited, the county council's appointed ‘design’ and ‘build’ contractor, were also signed during February and March 2024.

Next steps

Enabling works

Enabling works in preparation for main construction have now begun (mid-May), lasting a minimum of eight weeks. 

The main civils works for the slips and the layby will then follow in the late summer. These dates and plans are subject to weather conditions and other factors that are beyond the council’s control. 

The enabling work will consist of the following:

• Vegetation clearance and removal
• Setting up of a temporary builder’s compound off the A4183 Oxford Road (off the access road to Egertons business estate
• Utility diversions

As part of the vegetation clearance, some trees around the area where the new slips will be constructed will need to be removed. 

These trees were scheduled to be taken down as part of the agreed Planning Permission and do not have any protection orders. They will be chipped and removed from site. Trees will be replanted in the nearby vicinity, as part of the landscaping for the completed scheme.

As a responsible council, we have undertaken a full arboricultural investigation and environmental assessment, as well as developed ecological method statements and construction and environmental management plans. This is all to ensure that we minimise and mitigate our impact. 

A field ecologist will visit the site daily before any clearance works occur.

To ensure the enabling works are undertaken safely, it will be necessary to have temporary traffic lights in operation on the A4183 Oxford Road. This will occur on 27 and 28 May on a small section of the road between the northbound entry slip and Sugworth Lane. Temporary lights will also be operational on the A4183 Oxford Road, on 5 June, on a small section of the road between the southbound exit slip and the entrance to Lodge Hill garage. The lights will be operational during off-peak hours (9am to 4pm).

There will also be nightworks, with temporary lane closures on the A34:

• 20 - 21 May – northbound, single lane closure
• 22 May – southbound, single lane closure
• 2 June – southbound, single lane closure
• 3 – 4 June – lane closure on the southbound exit slip with 3-way lights
• 9 June – northbound, single lane closure
• 10 June – single lane closure on the northbound entry slip

These nightworks will take place from 8pm – 6am.

Any temporary traffic management measures used will be continually monitored throughout each day of construction, so that we can respond quickly to traffic conditions as they happen. We advise residents and commuters to plan their travel routes accordingly and to anticipate potential delays.

Residents and commuters are kindly requested to exercise caution while passing through the road works and adhere to any temporary traffic control measures that may be in place. 

Contact us

If you would like to know more, you can contact us by email at lodgehill@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

More information

Why is this work needed?

Oxfordshire needs a modern, efficient, reliable, affordable, and sustainable transport system. The area has seen and will continue to see significant growth in the coming years and investment is needed now so that the transport network can meet the demands that will be placed upon it in the future. This will be done by increasing the junction capacity and overall network performance and resilience.

The planning application for the A34 Lodge Hill scheme was submitted in October 2022, and planning approval for the scheme was granted in September 2023. 

The project will provide new infrastructure to:

• optimise the junction capacity at Lodge Hill
• provide new access and shorter journey times
• enable more than 1000 new homes in Abingdon by 2031
• support and enable economic growth in wider Science Vale area, increasing opportunities for local people

How are the improvement works being funded?

The scheme is being funded through a combination of Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Housing Growth Deal funding, infrastructure grant funding from Homes England and Section 106 contributions from developers.  The A34 Lodge Hill scheme was the first to enter into contract with Homes England for the provision of infrastructure grant funding through Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land (BIL) Fund

Contracts with the county council’s appointed ‘design’ and ‘build’ contractor, Balfour Beatty Group Limited, were signed during February and March 2024. 

What is the timescale of the programme?

The A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme is being constructed/delivered in phases. 

How was the land obtained? 

The land for the scheme was obtained through direct negotiation with landowners. 

Why has this taken so long? 

While the need for improvements at the A34 Lodge Hill interchange has been apparent for some time, there are several factors which have meant progress has been limited. Firstly, it took longer than expected to secure the necessary funding to pay for the construction of the new slip roads. This has meant that negotiations with landowners could only proceed once all the funding was awarded, and it was not possible to engage engineering partners for the design and construction phases until last year.  

The design of major road schemes needs to be supported by a range of detailed evidence and surveys, including environmental, ecological, and archaeological surveys, flooding/drainage assessments and traffic modelling.  Coronavirus (Covid-19) caused delays to these, in particular to survey works. Approval from National Highways on the proposed junction layout and traffic modelling was also needed to progress the scheme.  

Why are you using roundabouts instead of signalised junction? 

The chosen layout was needed to ensure an acceptable balance of traffic flow and queues along the new slip roads, A34 and A4183 Oxford Road. In our traffic simulation studies, the dual roundabouts in a ‘dumb-bell’ layout were found to be the most effective design, and it also received National Highways approval.

How will pedestrians and cyclists use the junction?

The A34 slip roads will join the A4183 (Oxford Road) using roundabouts at either end of the bridge. The scheme will provide unsegregated shared footway / cycleways between 2.6m and 3m wide with uncontrolled crossing points with tactile paving. Additional guard rails are to be introduced to the bridge over the A34 and will be raised to improve safety for cyclists. 

Pedestrians will cross the slip roads via uncontrolled crossings and a toucan crossing on the southern roundabout on slip. Since the entrance to the roundabout will be controlled by give way markings, traffic is expected to be moving slowly at the crossing points. 

What will happen to the existing laybys on the A34?

There are four laybys on the A34 which will be affected by the scheme. While the two laybys east of the existing slip roads will remain, the two laybys to the west of the A4183 will need to be removed because of their proximity to the new slip roads. To compensate for this, the layby at Harwell (southbound) will be upgraded to provide additional capacity and improved separation from the main carriageway. 

What improvements works are planned to take place, including those for public transport and walking and cycling?

The scheme will deliver:

New south-facing slip roads

• Dumbell configuration (one bridge, two roundabouts where the slip roads come off the A34 and join up with the A4183 Oxford Road)
• Upgraded pedestrian and cycling facilities:
  • Extension of shared footway/cycleway on the eastern length of the A4183 (south of the southern roundabout) to provide a continuous cycle link.
  • Inclusion of an uncontrolled crossing and island on the A4183 (near to the garages) to the south of the southern roundabout. Between the north and southbound bus laybys.
  • Extension of the shared footway/cycleway across the western length of the southern roundabout.
  • Inclusion of a Toucan Crossing on the south slip. Traffic modelling undertaken has confirmed that a Toucan Crossing at this location is acceptable.
  • Designated pedestrian crossing point on the north slip and roundabout

Harwell Southbound layby upgrades on the A34

• Speed limit reduction from 50mph to 40 mph on A4183.
• Replacement of the south side parapet on the A4183 bridge
• Installation of new streetlights
• Improved landscaping
• Provision of the new access road to the existing businesses on the Egertons access road
• Localised traffic calming works

How will the planned improvements affect the villages of Kennington, Radley, Sunningwell and Hinksey as well as the surrounding residential areas?

While we do not believe the use of minor roads will significantly increase because of the junction upgrade, we recognise that there are local concerns. Traffic calming proposals are being considered and further mitigation measures are being reviewed and developed. 

As part of the project, we undertook some traffic calming on the local network. This included the installation of a new zebra crossing on the junction between St Swithun’s Road and The Avenue in Kennington. Work began in October 2024, lasting approximately three weeks.

The new crossing operated as an informal crossing until the lighting was installed earlier this year. 

What is being done to reduce traffic coming into Abingdon and on local roads?

We believe that the Lodge Hill interchange improvements will alleviate pressure on the key routes to the south of the town by providing an alternative route for residential areas to the north. 

This, combined with other projects to improve active and sustainable transport options in and around the town, should help reduce congestion and overall traffic levels. 

How will the construction works affect traffic and road users – will there be lots of disruption, long delays or diversions in place?

To ensure the safe construction of the project, various traffic management measures will be implemented, including narrow lanes on the A34, lane closures, temporary traffic signals, and some overnight road closures for specific safety critical activities.

Due to the project’s complexity, the work will be divided into five phases per roundabout. For most of the project, traffic flow will remain uninterrupted. However, at the beginning and end, some lane closures and temporary traffic lights will be required to facilitate the work. These will be scheduled to minimise disruption, and exact dates will be provided on the Lodge Hill project webpage, as well as communicated via social media. This will be the same for any weekend disruptions.

In case of an incident on the A34, traffic management will be minimised where possible to reduce congestion while maintaining safety.

Will there be any road closures during construction?

To enable the scheme to be built safely, it will be necessary to undertake works with a number of different traffic management arrangements, such as lane closures, temporary traffic signals and overnight road closures. 

We will ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum throughout the works, and any road closures will be advised in advance along with diversion routes.  Further details of exact dates and phasing will be provided nearer the time by means of advanced signage and letters to residents. 

What is the impact on traffic going to be?

To ensure the enabling works are undertaken safely, it will be necessary to have temporary traffic lights in operation on the A4183 Oxford Road. This will take place on 27 and 28 May on a small section of the road between the northbound entry slip and Sugworth Lane. Temporary lights will also be operational on the A4183 Oxford Road, on 5 June on a small section of the road between the southbound exit slip and the entrance to Lodge Hill garage. The lights will be operational during off-peak hours (9am to 4pm).

There will also be nightworks, with temporary lane closures on the A34:

• 20 - 21 May – northbound, single lane closure
• 22 May – southbound, single lane closure
• 2 June – southbound, single lane closure
• 3 – 4 June – lane closure on the southbound exit slip with 3-way lights
• 9 June – northbound, single lane closure
• 10 June – single lane closure on the northbound entry slip

These nightworks will take place from 8pm – 6am.

Any temporary traffic management measures used will be continually monitored throughout each day of construction, so that we can respond quickly to traffic conditions as they happen. We advise residents and commuters to plan their travel routes accordingly and to anticipate potential delays.

Residents and commuters are kindly requested to exercise caution while passing through the road works and adhere to any temporary traffic control measures that may be in place. 

Traffic management arrangements are also available by visiting https://one.network

Where will bus stops be located during the construction works?

Existing north and southbound bus laybys along the A4183 will be maintained and disruption limited as far as possible during construction. 

Will the scheme increase the risk of flooding? 

The preliminary design phase included a detailed drainage plan to limit the possibility of surface water or sewer flooding. The scheme will have independent drainage on each slip road and will connect to an existing drainage ditch adjacent to the A34. 

With respect to the revised junction and roundabouts, attenuation ponds will be constructed to ensure no increased surface water flood risk to the local road network. Attenuation ponds and swales allow for excess surface water run-off to be stored before it can be safely released. 

The scheme area lies within Flood Zone 1 and is therefore not subject to river flooding.

Will the new slip roads be visible from nearby homes? 

The scheme includes lighting to ensure that the junction can be used safely at night. The latest directional lighting will be used to minimise light pollution and to ensure that light is focused on the roadway itself, but there is a possibility that the lighting will be visible from some nearby properties. We expect this to be un-intrusive, and that the impact will be minimised as the planting around the junction matures.

The new embankments which will house the new slip roads may also be visible, particularly from the north, but the visual impact will also be reduced through the landscaping scheme. 

What is the width of the proposed share cycle and footpath?

The scheme will provide unsegregated shared footways and cycleways between 2.6m and 3m wide.

Will there be changes to speed limits during and after construction?

The national speed limit applies on the A34 at Lodge Hill and on the existing slip roads. This will also apply to the new slip roads, and the limit on the main A34 will be unchanged. Where it crosses the A34, the A4183 has a 50mph speed limit. After construction, this will reduce this to 40mph. 

What about the archaeology?

A planning condition ensured that before any construction work took place,  an archaeology ‘strip, map and sample’ exercise was undertaken by Oxford Archaeology working on behalf of the council. 

The excavation uncovered evidence of ancient river systems and early human life half a million years ago. You can read more about the find on the council’s website.

How is OCC considering the environmental impact of the planned improvements and will any trees or other vegetation be removed? If yes, what sort?

As a responsible council, we have undertaken a full arboricultural investigation and environmental assessment, as well as developed ecological method statements and construction and environmental management plans. This is all to ensure that we minimise and mitigate our impact. 

A field ecologist will be visiting the site daily before any clearance works take place to ensure no nesting birds have settled in the location.

As part of the vegetation clearance, it will be necessary to undertake the removal of some trees around the area where the new slips will be constructed. 

These trees were scheduled to be taken down as part of the agreed Planning Permission and do not have any protection orders. They will be chipped and removed from site. Trees will be replanted in the nearby vicinity, as part of the landscaping for the completed scheme.

During construction all site offices and plant will, where possible, use biodiesel and solar energy as well as recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact of the works.

What are we doing to mitigate the removal of the tress and vegetation?

A scheme of new planting will be undertaken within the correct planting season upon completion of the works. This will include planting semi mature trees, hedges and wildflower and scrub to encourage and promote biodiversity and ecology within the affected areas. 

How will construction traffic access and leave the site?

Construction traffic will access the works sites via specific works access points. These will be controlled by traffic management operatives. A site compound is located off the A4183 Oxford road, via the private access road leading to the Egertons business estate.

Will there be noise and dust during construction?

Due to the nature of the work, there will be noise and dust during construction. However, we will ensure that water suppression is used to keep dust to a minimum and noisy works will be undertaken sensitively during daytime hours where possible. There may be times when we need to work overnight. We will keep residents informed of these times and works and seek to mitigate any noise disturbance where possible. 

What will the emergency services do?

Emergency services will have access at all times.

What will happen to the construction access upon completion of the works?

Construction access points and site compound areas will be cleaned and cleared and replanted upon completion and any fencing will be reinstated.

Will the contractor be using local subcontractors?

It is Oxfordshire County Council's policy to use local subcontractors where possible.

Will the contractor employ apprentices?

It is Oxfordshire County Council policy to ensure that each project employs apprentices where possible.

What about satellite navigation?

Upon completion of the works, it is normal practice for Oxfordshire County Council to notify the main sat nav providers, such as Google, Waze and TomTom about the road improvements.

How can I ask a question, request further details, or make a complaint/comment?

You can email the project team at lodgehill@oxfordshire.gov.uk or write to: 

A34 Lodge Hill Interchange Scheme 
FREEPOST OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (No further address details required)

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Alternatively, you can find out more information about roadworks by visiting https://one.network or by signing up to https://twitter.com/OxonTravel, our dedicated profile on X, for the latest updates on road delays, planned roadworks or incidents that could affect your journey around Oxfordshire.