Oxfordshire County Council is set to designate a new individual to lead a major infrastructure initiative valued at £332 million.

Paul Fermer, who serves as the director of environment and highways, will assume the role of principal decision-maker for the Didcot to Culham River Crossing project.

This appointment remains conditional upon reaching consensus on the target cost, approving the project timeline, completing contract documentation, and verifying that adequate financial resources have been secured.

In February 2025, the council finalized agreements with Graham Construction Ltd and Aecom to proceed with the second phase of the HIF1 programme.

The HIF1 plans encompass construction of a dual carriageway along the A4130 extending from the A34 Milton Interchange toward Didcot, alongside new bridge structures and a bypass at Clifton Hampden.

Graham Construction has been tasked with managing design work for the Culham River crossing and the Clifton Hampden bypass.

Aecom will direct the design efforts for the Didcot Science Bridge and the expansion of the A4130.

The initiative received cabinet endorsement in July 2024, unlocking programme funding of £332.538 million along with an supplementary £79.6 million contingency allocation from Homes England, accessible at their discretion.

Construction costs are projected at approximately £151 million, though the precise target figure continues to be negotiated.

The Didcot to Culham River Crossing involves creating a roadway connection between the A4130 at Didcot and the A415 at Culham, featuring bridges spanning the River Thames and a private railway crossing.

The route will additionally link Appleford and Sutton Courtenay through the B4106, complete with pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.