Plans submitted for new town relief road

The Watlington Relief Road scheme aims to provide an alternative route and direct access to the B4009

A new relief road is being planned for a town in Oxfordshire.

The county council has submitted proposals that it hopes will overcome "traffic related challenges" in Watlington.

It will aim to provide an alternative route and direct access to the B4009, known as Shirburn Road and Britwell Road, either side of the town.

The plan includes two roundabouts, three zebra crossings and walking and cycling infrastructure.

A spokesman for the authority said the aim was to reduce congestion, noise and air pollution in the town centre and to enable future housing developments with more cycling and walking options.

Councillor Judy Roberts, cabinet member for travel and development strategy, said: "Watlington is a historic market town which regularly experiences traffic-related challenges due to the town centre's narrow roads and its one-lane only, traffic light controlled bridge."

She added: "The proposed Watlington Relief Road aims to bring much-needed mitigation to this legacy of congestion, noise and air pollution, as well as enable housing developments in the vicinity of Watlington and facilitate more sustainable modes of transport including cycling and walking."

Watlington lies south of the M40 - its "nearest strategic transport corridor" - and is not accessible by any rail services.

A decision for the new relief road is expected in the spring.