A MULTI-MILLION project to improve the A40 in Oxfordshire could be halted due to ‘cost pressures’.

Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority, is planning improvements to the road, including a dual carriageway extension from the east of Witney to Eynsham Park and Ride, improved shared cycle and footpaths, an integrated bus lane and works to the Duke’s Cut bridge.

The council’s cabinet had approved Compulsory Purchase and Side Road Orders in April to progress with the enhancements, which will cost £106.7 million.

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However, a report published ahead of an extraordinary cabinet meeting on Tuesday next week, pointed out that given the current inflationary pressures, the project could exceed its budget and needs to be reviewed.

The report said: “The council remains committed to delivering the scheme. As part of the ongoing delivery of the programme and in light of the global inflationary pressures being experienced in all sectors, a detailed review has been undertaken.

“As a result of this review, cost pressures have been identified that result in the scheme exceeding its current budget.

“This has made it necessary to obtain cabinet approval to withdraw the current CPO and SRO from the ongoing statutory process to allow further time to review the scheme in detail and consider mitigations to these cost pressures.”

The upgrade was proposed by the former Conservative administration, and inherited by the current county council run by a coalition of Lib Dems, Labour and Greens.

 

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi