THE CONTROVERSIAL Expressway scheme opposed by thousands of Oxfordshire residents is 'paused'.

The £3.5 billion road plan would link Oxford and Cambridge via a corridor where one million homes could be built.

The future of the major new road between the two cities now remains unclear as the Department for Transport revealed last night it will 'explore' other opportunities.

In an official document about its road investment strategy for 2020–2025 it said: "We are now pausing further development of the scheme while we undertake further work on other potential road projects that could support the Government’s ambition for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc."

SEE ALSO: Expressway plans likely to be scrapped in upcoming government budget

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran commented on the decision that this is 'a step in the right direction'.

She added: "A pause is not the same as scrapping the Expressway – this Government must be unequivocal that the Expressway is not happening and will never happen.

"I am delighted that the Government has listened to us, even if they are leaving the door open to building the road in the future.

"Perhaps now the Government will finally listen to the community groups and campaigners that they have ignored thus far during their ‘review’."