Major road to prioritise cyclists and pedestrians

Woodstock Road is one of Oxford's busiest roads

Plans to prioritise cyclists and pedestrians on a major city road have been given the go-ahead.

The changes to Woodstock Road in Oxford will see an off-road cycle path and new pedestrian crossings installed.

It is hoped the move will improve road safety, as well as make bus journey times more efficient, according to the county council.

The work will take place in phases between August and March 2025.

Pedestrian crossings will be installed on road junctions between Bevington Road and St. Margaret's Road, with a new zebra crossing situated near Bevington Road.

In addition, an off-road cycle path will be built Between Frenchay Road and St. Margaret’s Road.

Following advice from local bus operators, the plans will also see a section of the southbound bus lane between Wolvercote and Squitchey Lane replaced with a northbound lane on the other side, on a trial-basis.

'Walking and wheeling'

Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council's member for infrastructure and development strategy, said the authority had committed to making sure its highways were safer.

“Oxford looks forward to a greater demand for sustainable travel solutions to meet expected increases in population and jobs," she said.

"These plans are one part towards answering that need on one of our city’s busiest roads.

"We are implementing cycle way improvements and crossings that really prioritise the safety of people walking and wheeling,” she added.

Money for the project will come from the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal.