New A34 junction scheme will take traffic out of Abingdon

The junction at Lodge Hill currently only has north-facing slip roads, but the scheme will add new south-facing slip roads, as well as making cycling and walking easier and safer in the area.

Adding the south-facing slip roads will remove traffic from the town centre as some drivers will no longer have to travel through it to access the A34 southbound at the Marcham interchange.

Works for the scheme, which is being overseen by Oxfordshire County Council, is expected to start this summer.

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Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran said: "Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for the construction of improvements to the Lodge Hill junction on the A34 for 30 years, so it's incredibly exciting to hear that construction is finally set to begin this summer.  I will be there to cheer when the first shovel hits the ground.”

Ms Moran said the Government’s "broken promises and interminable delays" had held the project back for far too long.

She added: "The tireless campaigning from local Liberal Democrats got this over the line as we were determined to see local residents get the infrastructure they deserve.

“These improvements are a vital development as they will reduce the need for people to drive through the centre of town."

"This project should help unblock Abingdon’s roads; allowing faster, safer, healthier journeys for the people of Oxford West and Abingdon.”

Last month the county council approved the inclusion of the Homes England capital grant of £17m towards the A34 Lodge Hill scheme on its capital programme.

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The council had secured funding for the scheme from several sources, including contributions from developers, the Housing Growth Deal and funding directly from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Following a review of the scheme in summer 2022, a funding gap was identified.

This is when Homes England – the UK government’s housing arm – awarded £17m to the project.

Abingdon South county councillor Neil Fawcett said the plan to build south-facing slip roads at Lodge Hill dated back 23 years.

He added that it was vital the work was completed now as so many new homes were being built in the area.

A major housebuilding programme has been ongoing in the town in recent years, including 900 homes on land north of Dunmore Road and Twelve Acre Drive.

Mr Fawcett said: "We expect to see work start this summer at Lodge Hill - there is already some work being done at Peachcroft Roundabout.

"There could be some disruption while work takes place over the next two years.

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"There is no extra capacity for traffic in the town centre and these new slip roads are crucial because it will mean fewer cars heading through town.

"It's more than 20 years since the need for this scheme was identified."

The junction will also be widened as part of the scheme, which will take two years to complete.

A county council spokesman said: "The council is currently finalising legal agreements with Homes England and an appointed contractor.

"Detailed design on the scheme is due to commence imminently and the council will be publicising more details on anticipated construction start dates in due course."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.