Oxfordshire County Council is starting construction on its A4310 Steventon lights integrated transport scheme, bringing improvements to bus services, walking and cycling, with work starting on Monday 17 November. The improvements are designed to support housing and employment growth in the Science Vale area of South Oxfordshire.
The council is working with M Group Limited on the project, which will improve bus journey times and enable residents of Steventon and other nearby villages and commuters travelling to Harwell Campus and Milton Park to walk and cycle through the area if they choose.
The improvements include a dedicated eastbound bus lane, improved cycling and walking facilities and junction improvements at Steventon High Street and Trenchard Avenue.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said:
“The Steventon lights project will make it easier and more attractive to take the bus, with the new bus lane reducing congestion and making journey times more reliable between Steventon and Milton Interchange.
“The project will also improve safety for all road users with new crossings and signals, and the new cyclist and pedestrian facilities will encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling.
“During construction we will keep an eye on local traffic conditions, including the A34, and will monitor our traffic management and reduce it if needed. There may still be delays at peak times, so plan your journeys in advance and keep up to date by checking our website.”
To prepare for construction, work has already been completed to survey and clear the area, divert utilities and clean all surface water drainage along the route.
The project will be built in six phases, with phase one starting on Monday 17 November and finish on 19 December.
Phase two will begin in January with night work to remove traffic islands and daytime work to install a temporary roundabout at the junction of Steventon High Street and the A4130.
From January 2026, access onto and off the A4130 through Trenchard Avenue will be closed for the rest of construction, with traffic diverted via Milton Hill. Drivers through the area should watch out for temporary traffic signals and any new signage.
Work in the new year will involve widening the A4130 Abingdon Road, improving the Trenchard Avenue junction and installing new traffic lights, bus shelters and cycle parking.
The scheme is expected to take about one year to complete.
(Picture: Oxfordshire County Council)
