A40 Duke's Cut
A proposed new eastbound dedicated bus lane and improved cycling and pedestrian routes.
About the project
The Duke’s Cut proposals will see the realignment of road space to create a new eastbound bus lane and two traffic lanes. There will also be improved southbound and northbound cycling and pedestrian routes, ensuring safety and reliable journey times into Oxford.
The proposed eastbound bus lane will start west of Duke’s Cut bridges and will link up to the A40 Oxford north project, beyond the existing A34 overbridge. To the west, Duke’s Cut will link into the A40 integrated bus lanes project. The existing Wolvercote rail bridge parapet will also be replaced with a new modern version.
A new shared-use pedestrian and cycle path along the A40 at Duke's Cut will link to the Oxford north and Wolvercote roundabout and will also connect directly to the National Cycle Network (NCN5) off-road pathway and the Oxford Canal towpath. This will allow pedestrian and cyclists a safe, direct and low traffic route into Oxford.
Your questions answered
View your questions about the A40 Duke's Cut scheme answered for more details.
Take a look at a flyover of the scheme - video
Note: the flythrough of the scheme is between 3:36 – 4:15. This video has no audio.
Why we are investing here
Across the full A40 improvements programme, we’re investing £180 million in six major schemes, which will deliver a new park and ride, an extension of the dual carriageway around Witney, new bus lanes and junction improvements.
The programme will result in better transport connections, promote sustainable travel options, and reduce emissions. It will enable the creation of new jobs and support the requirements of local housing.
Public engagement on the A40 HIF2 Smart Corridor projects brings together the A40 Duke's Cut with two other complementary projects:
The Duke’s Cut proposals will enable a fast and reliable public transport service. The improvements to the pedestrian and cycle paths along this section will make travelling along this route safer, more accessible and enjoyable for all users.
| Activity | Target date |
|---|---|
| Public engagement | May/June 2021 - complete |
| Preferred option presented to Cabinet | July 2021 - complete |
| Planning application submission | November 2021 - complete |
| Detailed design commences | January 2022 - complete |
| Compulsory purchases and side roads orders made | July 2022 |
| Planning approval | Autumn 2022 |
| Main construction begins on site | Autumn 2023 |
| Wolvercote Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Preliminary design | May 2022 - complete |
| Detailed design | July 2022 |
| Construction - strengthening | November 2022 |
| Construction - parapet | July 2023 |
| Completion | November 2023 |
How it is being funded
The scheme is entirely funded by Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund. Oxfordshire County Council has agreed a funding contract with Homes England subject to a series of conditions.
The anticipated cost of this element of the programme is £19m.