Station access improvement plan given go-ahead

It is hoped the changes will better connect southern Banbury and the town centre

Plans to improve a railway station for pedestrians, cyclists, buses and taxis have been given the go-ahead.

Construction on the improvements to Banbury Rail Station in Oxfordshire is set to start in the autumn.

A route will be built linking Tramway Road with Station Approach Road, making it easier to access the station and the town centre.

The work is expected to take about one year to complete.

Better access

Tramway Road will get a new footway, cycleway, bus stops and a compact roundabout under the plans.

When finished, it is hoped the new layout will improve the reliability of bus journeys into Banbury town centre, and reduce traffic at the Bridge Street junction - which is currently the only route to the station.

Oxfordshire County Council said the work could also potentially enable a bus route to serve the station and Tramway Road in future.

Judy Roberts, the authority's member for infrastructure and development strategy, said the changes were designed to increase the use of Banbury Railway Station.

“The west station car park will also be easier to access from the south of town, allowing station traffic to avoid the Bridge Street junction and Cherwell Street, reducing congestion and waiting times in the area," she added.

Road-users have been told to expect some changes to their journeys to the station, with some road closures and diversions planned.