OxLEP have announced that a major project, which aims to back more sustainable approaches to transport movement in-and-around the north of Oxford, has been completed.
Working in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, the A40 Improvement Scheme Phase One project has seen a stretch of the A40 – situated between the A34 overbridge and the Wolvercote Roundabout – updated and transformed, enabled by significant funding secured by OxLEP.
The completion of this project has transformed the area into a transitional corridor with a new tree-lined street that promotes and supports sustainable travel modes. The project has also added several features to enhance the commuting experience, such as a new eastbound bus lane and additional bus stops with modern bus shelters.
In addition, cyclists travelling in-and-around the area – and those taking by foot – are set to benefit through the introduction of new, dedicated cycle lanes, widened footpaths and safer crossing points.
OxLEP secured £8.4million of funding for the A40 project via the government’s Local Growth Fund.
The completion of works will also complement Oxford North, a development which will bring new high specification laboratory and workspace to Oxford for science and technology companies, alongside new homes, small shops and three new public parks.
Oxford North will provide 480 new homes for the city, of which 35% – the equivalent of 168 – will be affordable housing. It will also be a sustainable community with biodiversity initiatives to improve people’s lives, air quality and the environment.
This, alongside better connectivity, will improve Oxfordshire’s place as a desirable location to live, work, play and learn, helping to attract top talent and contribute to Oxford’s knowledge and high value economy acceleration delivering a boost of circa £150 million in GVA per annum into the economy.
The A40 Improvement Scheme Phase One project sits alongside £1 billion-worth of investment secured by OxLEP and our partners into the county to-date, not just benefiting individual companies and workforces, but many communities too.
Nigel Tipple – Chief Executive of OxLEP – said: “The delivery of phase one of this scheme will support the introduction of greater levels of sustainable movement, encouraging people to embrace healthier ways of getting from A to B.
“By introducing dedicated cycle lanes and creating safer crossing areas – alongside greater levels of public transport infrastructure – this project can genuinely support more people to consider sustainable methods of commuting.
“Ultimately, the investment will also further enable the mindful delivery of Oxford North, set to bring so much both economically, and from a societal perspective to the county.
“This project represents a further, positive intervention for Oxfordshire through investment secured by OxLEP.”
Speaking on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, the A40 Project Manager – Loren Jennings – added: “The overall A40 scheme will support a better experience for commuters, businesses and communities alike who use the stretch, helping to release pressure on existing infrastructure that is causing congestion, pollution and extensive travel times.”
Central Government have invested over £12 billion into the UK economy via the Local Growth Fund. The fund aimed to allow LEPs to use their local knowledge to promote growth in their individual regions.
Analysis has shown that for every £1 of Local Growth Fund invested, £4.81 in benefits could be generated.
