Didcot and surrounding area infrastructure improvements
Traffic Management notice
As part of our ongoing enabling works, we will need to put in place traffic management measures to safely undertake site clearance and ground investigations.
Alongside the A4130, from Milton Interchange services to Sir Frank Williams Avenue and from Hawksworth roundabout to Collett roundabout 23 February – end March 2026
This activity will involve site-wide clearance of necessary vegetation, as preparation for the creation of the site compounds for the Didcot Science Bridge section.
Work directly adjacent to the existing highway along the A4130 will require 2-way traffic lights between 7pm - 6am, Monday to Friday.
Clifton Hampden public right of way – temporary Closure March 2026 – September 2027
We have temporarily closed parts of footpaths 171/6/10 and 171/4/10 that leads to the west of the B5015 Oxford Road. This closure is necessary to facilitate drainage works, earthworks, and highway construction, and to ensure the safety of both the public and the workforce.
Alternative routes for the public to use are to the north east of Culham Campus and via the B4015Oxford Road or the path alongside the recreation ground and via the A415.
The closure will be in place for a duration of approximately 18 months. A fully signed diversion route will be in place for the duration of the closure.
Appleford public rights of way – temporary closure March 2026 – September 2027
We will be temporarily closing and diverting the Appleford public right of way to the north of the B4016.
This closure is necessary to facilitate drainage works, earthworks, and highway construction, and to ensure the safety of both the public and the workforce.
The closure will commence on Friday 6 March for a duration of approximately 18 months. A fully signed diversion route will be in place for the duration of the closure.
Thames Water utility diversions March - May 2026
Thames Water will be starting the diversion of their water services network on 2 March. Work will last approximately two months at a number of locations along Abingdon Road and Station Road.
Work will start in the verge areas around Abingdon Rd on 2 March.
There will be a requirement for 3-way traffic lights on both Abingdon Road and Station Rd from 19 - 26 March 2026. These will be operational 7am – 7pm Monday to Friday. A traffic marshal will be on site to manually control the lights during this time.
About the improvements
The Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure scheme will provide vital transport infrastructure to reduce congestion and enable more reliable journey times, improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity, and support new employment sites and housing in and around Didcot.
The project includes four highway sections that incorporate improvements to existing roads, the construction of new roads, new walking and cycle routes, and will help to facilitate new and enhanced bus services.
Key benefits:
- 19km of walking and cycling paths to improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity for work and leisure trips
- 18 new bus stops to provide more sustainable travel options in and around Didcot
- Reduce congestion and improve air quality in surrounding villages and parishes
- Enable more jobs in the local area in new and existing employment sites
- Support expected housing growth in the local area
Compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) and side road orders (SROs)
The Side road order (SRO) and compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the Didcot and surrounding area infrastructure improvements has been confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport.
Scheme benefits
Your questions answered
Take a look at a flyover of the scheme
Note: This video has only music audio.
What is happening when?
Enabling works
Enabling works have started on the Clifton Hampden Bypass and Didcot to Culham River Crossing sections.
The enabling works scheduled for completion between Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026 include:
- Erection of temporary fencing, including tree protection measures
- Archaeological investigations
- Site clearance to facilitate archaeological activities
- Set up of main compounds, site offices, and welfare facilities
- Utility diversions
Enabling works for the Didcot Science Bridge will begin on 2 March 2026.
There will be site compounds at three locations: behind the Milton Interchange services, off Milton Road on the old power station land, and off Sir Frank Williams Avenue (near the northern entrance to Great Western Park).
Work being undertaken will include:
- Site-wide installation of perimeter fencing
- Installation of site haul roads
- Installation of car parking
- Set up of site lighting and CCTV
- Building of site welfare and office units
- Installation of site signage, including wayfinder signage on public highways
- Utility connections for the main compound at Milton Interchange services
How it is being funded
Funding for the scheme comes from a combination of Homes England grant funding, Enterprise Oxfordshire capital investment, Section 106 contributions from developers and funds from the council's own capital budget.
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact the delivery team.
Project Newsletter
Keep up to date with project progress by signing up for our dedicated project newsletter.
