Work on measures to improve road safety and bus journey times on Oxford’s Woodstock Road will start on Monday 12 August.
The Oxfordshire County Council project involves installing pedestrian crossings and junction safety improvements between Bevington Road and St. Margaret’s Road, an off-road cycle path on Woodstock Road between Frenchay Road and St. Margaret’s Road, a zebra crossing on Woodstock Road near Bevington Road; and a reversal in direction of the bus lane (southbound to northbound) between Squitchey Lane and Wolvercote Roundabout under an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO).
Cllr Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy said: “I am pleased to see the improvements on Woodstock Road progressing. Safer crossings, better cycleways and improved bus journey times are part of our commitment to give people genuine options to use sustainable ways of travelling on one of the major roads in the city.”
The first side street junctions to be worked on are Field House Drive, St Margarets Road West and Bevington Road, with work expected to continue for five to seven weeks, depending on location. The duration of the work is indicative and may change due to weather conditions and other factors such as utilities.
The bus lane reversal is scheduled to start on 2 September and expected to take approximately six weeks. The measure has been informed by initial modelling for the planned traffic filters trial and is fully supported by local bus operators. The reversal will be implemented as a trial under an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO), and there will be a six-month consultation once the trial begins.
This major route in Oxford is expected to benefit significantly from the more pedestrian friendly design and improvements to road safety and bus journey times. The changes along Woodstock Road are informed by the county council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan and aim to:
- increase walking, wheeling and cycling;
- make walking and cycling safer;
- improve public transport journey times;
- enhance public space; and
- help residents and employees travel in and out of the city more sustainably.
(Picture – Oxfordshire CC)
