Council urges rail commuters to 'plan ahead'

Computer generated image of the new finish at Banbury station

Rail commuters should "plan ahead to avoid delays" as six months of building work starts near a train station.

Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, also asked travellers to "bear with us" while a new route to Banbury Station is developed.

The new route, linking Tramway Road with Station Approach Road, and the station forecourt, aims to improve access to the station and journey times.

When finished, commuters will benefit from new bus stops, cycleways and footpaths, the authority said.

When finished commuters can enjoy a new footpath, cycle lane and road layout

As part of the works, pedestrians, cyclists and those being dropped off by car will have no access to the station, using Tramway Road, until April.

Work to dig up the existing footpath, to divert drainage, utility pipes and cables, is expected to begin on 4 November.

A diversion will be in place via Tramway Road, Swan Close, the A4260, Bridge Street and Station Approach Road, with two-way temporary traffic lights at Station Approach Road.

Part of Station Approach Road and the west station car park will be closed from November.

The west station car park will be fully closed from November, with the multi-storey car park still available.

Work to construct the new northern extension to Tramway Road, including road surface, footpath, cycle path and roundabout, will take place from late 2024 to spring 2025.

Construction of the whole route is expected to finish in September 2025.

The first phase of work includes a diversion until April 2025

Ms Roberts said: “If you use the train station or travel along Tramway Road, please take a moment to plan ahead to avoid delays while we construct these very welcome improvements.

"Follow all signs and diversion routes for your own safety."

The project is being funded by the housing and growth deal and existing developer contributions.