A MULTI-MILLION project to improve the A40 in Oxfordshire has been 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.

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

But during a meeting yesterday (Tuesday November 29) councillors decided to halt the project as it could exceed its costs due to inflation.

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Duncan Enright, the council’s cabinet member for travel and development strategy, said: “We live in difficult times, we live in times where inflation is running at unprecedented levels.

“This project is to improve connectivity along that route, particularly for active travel, walking and cycling across and within our towns.

“We are looking for ways in which we can allow the development that is planned along this route and we looked at improving the scheme which we inherited, in the most effective way.

“We are now in a situation where, having reviewed the finances available we need to withdraw the orders, in order to come back to cabinet with a scheme that fits that financial envelope.”  

A report published ahead of the meeting said the council remains ‘committed’ to the project.

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

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