Local residents in Witney, Oxfordshire, will soon benefit from works that aim to reduce congestion in the town centre.  

The Oxfordshire County Council scheme will provide new west-facing slip roads on the A40 at the Shores Green junction, enabling traffic from east and north-east Witney to access the A40 without needing to route through the town centre or the A40/Ducklington Lane junction.  

When completed, the new slip roads will alleviate traffic on Bridge Street and across Witney town centre. There will also be improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities in the Shores Green area to improve safety and support more active travel.  

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “The start of construction on the A40 – Witney scheme is an exciting step towards improving travel in Witney and along the A40 in this area. This scheme will make a real difference to people’s lives, reducing congestion and improving air quality. We’re delighted to be working with our partners to deliver this infrastructure.”  

The scheme is expected to be complete by spring 2026.  

As part of the initial works, the A40 will be closed for one night between Ducklington and the Shores Green Junction from 8pm on 9 February 2025 to 6am on 10 February 2025. This closure is necessary to safely install barriers and signs.   

The closure and diversion route will be clearly indicated by traffic signs. Information on traffic management is available on the county council’s website.  

The county council has engaged extensively with residents, businesses and partners on the scheme, incorporating their feedback into the scheme’s design and delivery.  

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We are really pleased to see work progressing on the slip road and will continue to work closely with the county council on further improvements to the A40.” 

Pic: Mapillary