Park and ride to launch in 2027

Eynsham Park and Ride is expected to become operational in 2027

An 850-space park and ride which has not been used since it was completed last year will be ready by 2027, it has been confirmed.

Oxfordshire County Council said a planning application to connect the £32m Eynsham site to the A40 was submitted on Friday.

Plans include a new junction and bus lanes, and upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure.

The authority said the park and ride was completed on time and to budget because of a separate ring-fenced grant, though "cost pressures caused by high inflation" temporarily halted the rest of the A40 improvements scheme.

The A40 improvements scheme was paused in 2022

However, in October the project moved forward after receiving £126m of funding from Homes England, with a public consultation on the plans following shortly afterwards.

If planning consent is given construction of the junction is expected to start in early 2026 and be completed by 2027, enabling the park and ride to become operational.

The council anticipates a completion date for the rest of the project in the summer of 2028.

Construction on the park and ride began in 2022, with £51m funding provided by the Department of Transport. The remaining £19m is going towards the remainder of the scheme.