Work to improve a stretch of the A44 for cyclists, pedestrians, and bus passengers is now complete.

The improvements cover the section between the Pear Tree interchange and Cassington Road roundabout.

The changes are designed to provide faster bus journeys and safer cycling and walking conditions.

The project has introduced pedestrian crossings, a continuous, widened cycle and footpath, and a southbound bus lane on the A44 between the two roundabouts, spanning a total of approximately two kilometres.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, said: "It’s great to see the new crossings and cycle and pedestrian paths, which make walking, cycling, and wheeling much safer and more comfortable on this major route.

"With the new bus lane, these works are part of our commitment to prioritise the health and wellbeing of residents and invest in an inclusive, integrated, and sustainable transport network."

The project forms part of the county council’s north Oxford corridor improvements programme, which aims to provide transport infrastructure to support the expected housing growth across Cherwell.

Improvements along the A44 and the two roundabouts includes a new parallel crossing on Cassington Road at the junction with the A44 and a new signalised toucan crossing on the A44 to the north of Cassington Road.

A continuous, widened pedestrian and cycle path has also been installed on the western side of the A44 and a new, dedicated southbound bus lane has been introduced.

New bus stops have been installed near Couling Close and a new footpath has been created on the eastern side of the A44.

New and improved informal crossing facilities, better street and footpath lighting, maintenance and strengthening to the rail bridge slab structure, and new signalised crossings on the Pear Tree interchange have also been created.

Additional traffic lanes on the Pear Tree interchange have been added to improve bus journey times.

The project has also provided a new, accessible footpath with railings down to the Oxford Canal towpath.

More than 200 standard trees have been planted, along with 635 square metres of shrub planting, 1,700 square metres of woodland mix seeding, 850 square metres of wildflower grassland, and more than 2,000 square metres of open grassland seeding along the route.

The improvements have been completed with the county council’s construction partner Milestone Infrastructure Ltd.

The project cost £23 million, with £5 million for design, surveys, and legal costs, and £18 million for construction.

The north Oxford corridor improvements programme has been funded through the government’s Growth Deal funding and Section 106 contributions from developers.