Oxfordshire County Council has verified that the 50mph restrictions currently imposed on the A40 close to Witney will stay in effect until the 18-month building work on a £25million infrastructure initiative concludes.

These restrictions were implemented from February 10, 2025, coinciding with the commencement of the long-discussed A40 Access to Witney and Shores Green junction development.

A council representative stated that the temporary 50mph restrictions on the A40 form part of the approved traffic management measures designed to protect both drivers and construction workers during the building period.

The representative further noted that these restrictions will remain until construction finishes.

The council also shared information about the scheme’s advancement.

According to the representative, work on the A40 Access to Witney initiative has advanced satisfactorily since building commenced in spring 2025.

The development is progressing as planned, with the new slip roads anticipated to open by summer 2026.

The scheme continues to be overseen according to the established timeline and financial parameters.

This substantial initiative will construct two westbound slip roads at the A40 and B4022 Shores Green junction in Witney, with construction having started in February the previous year.

Upon completion, vehicles will be able to join the westbound A40 without passing through the town centre.

Furthermore, the council indicated this will alleviate traffic congestion and air quality concerns in Witney, particularly along Bridge Street, while also enhancing pedestrian and cycling routes in the vicinity, connecting to South Leigh and the A40.

During the construction period, speed reductions have been enforced alongside numerous overnight road closures.

Upcoming closures include a nine-night shutdown of the B4022 commencing April 7, followed by a three-night closure of both eastbound and westbound A40 from April 20.

The B4022 will be inaccessible for two nights starting April 23, and the eastbound A40 will be shut between Downs Road Roundabout and Ducklington Roundabout for five nights from May 4.

Additionally, both carriageways of the A40 will be closed between the Oxford Hill slip roads and Hill Farm for five nights beginning May 11.

The slip road construction costs £25million, financed through the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal alongside Section 106 developer contributions.

The project spent nearly 15 years in the planning phase before ultimately commencing construction in February 2024.

Beyond its effects on Witney’s traffic, the county council anticipates it will accommodate and offset the impacts of significant new housing developments proposed for East and North Witney, comprising as many as 4,702 dwellings.