New speed limits and bus lanes on major roundabout

The changes aim to make the roundabout safer for cyclists

Construction work on a major roundabout that included the installation of new bus lanes and speed limits has been completed.

The work on Kidlington Roundabout, near Oxford, began in January and cost £4.9m.

Changes to the roundabout include new cycle paths and pedestrian crossings, as well as a 30mph (48km/h) speed limit on the roundabout and its approaches.

The roundabout is part of a wider Oxfordshire County Council scheme to improve access into Oxford city centre.

It is on one of the main routes into the city and is near where Oxford United has proposed building its new stadium.

As well as the new crossings and cycle paths, a bus lane has also been installed on Bicester Road southbound.

It links with the bus lane on the eastern section of Kidlington Roundabout, as well as new signalised crossings on Bicester Road, Oxford Road and Frieze Way.

Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, said she was "delighted" to see the project completed.

She said the changes would "dramatically" improve safety and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians.

The project makes up one third of the council's North Oxford corridor improvements programme.

Improvements to two separate stretches of the nearby A44 make up the rest of the plan - which aims to make the routes more suitable for north Oxfordshire's growing population.

"We are preparing for the significant growth expected in the Cherwell district, with some 22,000 homes planned by 2031 and just under 5,000 of those within a two-mile radius of this roundabout," Ms Roberts said.