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 will provide:
- pedestrian crossings and junction safety improvements along the route;
- 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).
Image shows: an example of side road safety improvements
Councillor 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 works are carefully phased to minimise disruption. Residents and businesses are being informed by letter two weeks before the start of the work on the junction that would affect them, with details about traffic management, diversion route (if needed) and expected duration of the work.
The first side street junctions to be worked on are Field House Drive, St Margarets Road West and Bevington Road, with work starting on Monday 12 August and 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.
More information about Woodstock Road Sustainable Travel Improvements, including an indicative timeline of the works, is available on oxfordshire.gov.uk/woodstockroad
Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.