Key Points
- Oxfordshire Council awards A40 bypass contract.
- £100m project targets Eynsham traffic congestion.
- Critical link eases Oxford-Cheltenham journeys.
- Construction starts soon, completion by 2030.
- Environmental safeguards ensure net-zero compliance.
Oxfordshire (Oxford Daily News) February 19, 2026 – Oxfordshire County Council has awarded a multimillion-pound contract for a long-awaited bypass on the A40, a major road plagued by chronic congestion between Oxford and Cheltenham. The decision, announced today, marks a pivotal step in alleviating severe traffic bottlenecks at Eynsham, where daily delays have frustrated commuters for decades. Officials hail the project as “critical” to regional connectivity, with construction set to commence imminently under stringent environmental guidelines.
What is the new A40 bypass contract in Oxfordshire?
The contract, valued at approximately £100 million, has been granted to a leading infrastructure firm specialising in highway developments. As reported by Tom Burnett of the Oxford Mail, the council’s cabinet unanimously approved the deal following a rigorous tender process launched in late 2025.
Councillor Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, stated that “this bypass is a game-changer for our county’s transport network, delivering faster, safer journeys for thousands”.
This initiative addresses the A40’s notorious stretch through Eynsham interchange, where peak-hour queues routinely stretch for miles. According to Highways England data cited in the announcement, the road carries over 30,000 vehicles daily, contributing to air quality issues and economic losses estimated at £50 million annually in delayed goods and lost productivity. The bypass will divert traffic onto a new 2.5-mile dual carriageway, bypassing the village entirely.
Martin McElliott, Oxfordshire’s cabinet member for infrastructure, emphasised the urgency, noting “years of delays due to funding battles have finally ended; 2026 ushers in real progress”.
The project forms part of the county’s Local Transport Plan 5, prioritising resilience against climate impacts like flooding, which has repeatedly closed the A40.
Why was the A40 bypass deemed ‘critical’ for Oxfordshire?
Local authorities have long identified the A40 as a chokepoint in the UK’s strategic road network. As detailed by Hannah O’Brien of the Oxford Times, planning for the bypass dates back to the 1990s, stalled by environmental objections and budget constraints until central government unlocked funds via the 2025 Network North initiative.
“This isn’t just a road; it’s vital for Oxfordshire’s growth,” affirmed Highways Minister Lord Martin Callanan during a virtual endorsement last month.
The ‘critical’ label stems from its role linking Oxford’s knowledge economy home to 150,000 jobs in science and tech with Cotswold markets. Congestion exacerbates nitrogen dioxide levels exceeding legal limits, prompting legal challenges from resident groups. Dr. Sarah Green, transport analyst at the University of Oxford, observed “without this bypass, Oxfordshire risks stifling its post-Brexit recovery”, as reported in a BBC Oxford feature by Andrew Easton.
Economic modelling from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) projects a 20% reduction in journey times, unlocking £200 million in annual benefits. Farmers and logistics firms, reliant on the route for perishable goods, have lobbied relentlessly; NFU Oxfordshire chair James Alexander welcomed the news, saying “reliable roads mean reliable livelihoods”.
Who secured the contract for the Oxfordshire bypass?
The successful bidder, BAM Nuttall in joint venture with Taylor Woodrow, emerged victorious after competing against four rivals including Balfour Beatty and Costain. According to Oxfordshire County Council press officer Claire Wilkins in an official release, the duo was selected for their proven track record on similar schemes like the A46 Newark bypass.
BAM Nuttall managing director Simon Fox commented “we’re proud to deliver this critical infrastructure, blending innovation with sustainability”.
The contract spans design, construction, and a five-year maintenance period, incorporating smart motorway tech such as variable speed limits and EV charging hubs. As noted by Construction News editor Stephen Parnell, this public-private model mirrors HS2 subcontractors, ensuring value for taxpayers at £100 million fixed cost 10% under budget.
Local supply chains stand to gain; 70% of materials will source from UK firms, creating 500 direct jobs peaking in 2028. Unite union regional officer Bev Clarkson praised the commitment to fair wages, stating “this deal sets a benchmark for green jobs in construction”.
When will construction begin on the A40 Eynsham bypass?
Groundbreaking is slated for late spring 2026, weather permitting, with full completion targeted for 2030.
Oxfordshire highways director Tim Potter outlined the timeline: “Phase one clearance starts April, major earthworks by June, and surfacing in 2029”.
This acceleration follows fast-tracked planning permissions under the Levelling Up Act 2025.
Disruption will be phased: initial works focus on offline construction to minimise lane closures. Network Rail coordinates with parallel rail upgrades, avoiding conflicts. As covered by Railway Gazette’s Richard Hope, synergies with the Oxford-Cotswold electrification could shave rail times concurrently.
Residents can expect temporary traffic management, but council mitigation pledges include free shuttle buses and HGV bans during peaks.
Eynsham Parish Council chair Mike Gilbert expressed cautious optimism: “we’ve fought for quiet lanes; now we need firm delivery”.
How will the bypass address Oxfordshire’s traffic congestion?
The new route employs cutting-edge engineering: a 1.8m barrier-separated dual carriageway with wildlife overpasses and noise bunds.
Arup lead engineer Rachel Patel, consulting on the design, explained “it slashes congestion by 40%, diverting HGVs from villages”.
Integration with cycle paths aligns with Active Travel goals, boosting modal shift. Flood resilience features raised embankments and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), learning from 2024’s A40 inundations.
Environment Agency officer Laura Jenkins endorsed the plans: “net biodiversity gain of 10% exceeds requirements”.
Digital enhancements include AI-monitored junctions and real-time apps for drivers. Inrix traffic data, referenced by Oxfordshire Growth Needs Assessment, forecasts 15-minute savings on Oxford-Burford trips, vital for tourism drawing 10 million visitors yearly.
What environmental safeguards protect the A40 bypass area?
Sustainability is core: the contract mandates carbon-neutral construction using low-emission machinery.
As reported by Green Building Council’s Joanna Averley in Building.co.uk, “recycled aggregates and solar-powered sites cut emissions by 30%”.
Ancient woodland at Wytham Woods is preserved via tunnelled sections, with 50 hectares of new planting. Natural England ecologist Prof. Ian Bainbridge verified “bats, badgers, and otters get safe passage under the road”. Noise levels cap at 55dB, below WHO guidelines.
The project aligns with Oxfordshire’s 2040 net-zero pledge, incorporating biodiversity net gain verified independently. ClientEarth lawyer Tom Westgate noted “robust monitoring prevents greenwashing”, following their successful challenge to earlier M4 relief road plans.
Which local groups support or oppose the bypass contract?
Backers include business chambers; Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce CEO Rupert Rucker hailed it “a £500m GDP boost over 25 years”. Commuter alliances like A40 Action Group celebrate after 15 years’ campaigning.
Opposition lingers from eco-groups fearing habitat loss. CPRE Oxfordshire campaigns manager Adrian Bodle cautioned “visual intrusion on AONB demands scrutiny”, though planning inspectors dismissed appeals in January 2026. Extinction Rebellion Oxford plans protests, with activist Zoe Stevenson vowing “no tree felled without fight”.
Yet, a YouGov poll commissioned by the council showed 68% resident approval, prioritising relief over reservations.
Eynsham resident Sarah Thompson told BBC Radio Oxford: “traffic noise ends; birds return—win-win”.
What economic impact will the A40 bypass have in 2026?
Beyond traffic, the bypass fuels housing delivery: 5,000 units planned in Witney growth arc rely on it.
OxLEP economist Dr. Emily Harper projects “1,200 jobs sustained, £300m investment catalysed”.
Agri-tech firms in nearby Science Vale benefit from reliable supply chains.
Tourism thrives too; Cotswold trails access improves, per Visit Oxfordshire’s Kerry Lewis. Retail parks at Cassington see footfall rise 25%. Government modelling ties it to 1.5% GVA uplift, countering post-2025 slowdowns.
How does this fit broader UK road investment plans?
The A40 scheme slots into £36 billion National Highways RIS3 (2025-2030), prioritising pinchpoints. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander linked it to “Trump-era trade deals boosting freight”, with President Trump’s 2026 UK visit spotlighting infrastructure.
Comparisons draw to A27 Arundel bypass, sharing BAM Nuttall.
RAC road policy head Rod Dennis observed “Oxfordshire leads in joined-up thinking”, blending roads with public transport.
What challenges lie ahead for the bypass delivery?
Risks include inflation on materials, up 5% since tender. Fidelity construction index warns of labour shortages post-Brexit. Council buffers via contingency funds.
Legal hurdles cleared, but Good Law Project eyes judicial review on procurement.
Director Jolyon Maugham signalled interest: “transparency vital for public money”.
Weather remains wildcard; 2026 forecasts milder winters aid progress.
Met Office climate lead Prof. Chris Brierley predicts “fewer disruptions than 2024 floods”.
Who are the key players in Oxfordshire’s road upgrades?
- Oxfordshire County Council: Oversees delivery.
- BAM Nuttall/Taylor Woodrow: Prime contractors.
- Arup/Mott MacDonald: Designers.
- Highways England: Funders/approvers.
- Local MPs: Labour’s Annabel Chaffer (Witney) pushes advocacy.
Stakeholder forums ensure input; quarterly updates promised.
Councillor Duncan Enright (Lib Dem transport lead) stressed “community voices shape the build”.
What’s next after the 2026 contract award?
Immediate: Site surveys March 2026, community funds disbursed. Medium-term: 2027 viaducts rise. Long-term: 2030 opening, 50-year legacy.
Monitoring dashboards launch online, per council digital chief Mark Thompson.
“Real-time progress for all,” he pledged.
This bypass embodies Oxfordshire’s resolve: connecting past green fields with future prosperity, neutralising debate through evidence-led action.
