Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited Lodge Hill interchange scheme between Abingdon and Oxford, a £multi-million project designed to cut congestion, improve bus services, and make walking and cycling safer.
Earthworks and excavation started today (3rd September) as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s plan to add south-facing slip roads to the A34. At present, Lodge Hill only has north-facing access, forcing traffic through Abingdon town centre.
Boost for Abingdon Connectivity
The scheme is expected to improve travel options to and from the north of Abingdon, reducing pressure on the town centre and supporting new housing and economic growth in the area.
Early site preparation began in May 2025, with main construction due to finish by the end of 2026.
Unlocking Homes and Growth
The council says the upgrade is essential to support growth in and around Abingdon. The scheme will:
- Enable over 1,000 new homes in Abingdon by 2031.
- Improve connectivity to the wider Science Vale area, including Harwell Campus and Milton Park.
- Reduce through-traffic in Abingdon town centre, improving air quality and journey times.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said:
“The much-anticipated A34 Lodge Hill scheme will improve capacity at the junction, improving bus and car journeys, as well as making walking and cycling safer in the area.
This is vital and much-needed investment to support growth in Abingdon. Once complete, it will reduce the amount of through traffic in the town centre, improving the environment for everyone.”
National and Local Backing
The project is backed by Homes England through the Brownfield Infrastructure Land Fund and by Section 106 developer contributions. helping unlock around 820 new homes in Abingdon.
Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, said:
“Lodge Hill is a prime example of how we’re working with partners like Oxfordshire County Council to unlock the potential of new homes and regional growth in communities through improving infrastructure.”
Construction partner Balfour Beatty is delivering the works. Project Director Matt Parkes described it as a “vital infrastructure project” that will “transform connectivity for residents and road users” and provide “safer, more efficient journeys.”
What Will Change at Lodge Hill?
The redesign uses a “dumbbell” roundabout layout, two linked roundabouts either side of the bridge. Key features include:
- New south-facing slip roads onto the A34.
- A reduced speed limit on the A4183 Oxford Road (50mph → 40mph).
- Safer crossings: a new Toucan crossing, shared-use cycleways (2.6m–3m wide), and pedestrian islands.
- An upgraded Harwell southbound layby on the A34.
- Streetlight upgrades, landscaping, and biodiversity planting.
The scheme also delivers a new access road to the Egertons business estate and localised traffic calming measures in Kennington, Radley, Sunningwell and Hinksey.
Phased Construction and Traffic Management
To minimise disruption, work will be carried out in six phases between now and late 2026. Measures will include:
- Overnight traffic signals during September 2025 for splitter island removal.
- Temporary speed limits on the A4183 and A34 during key construction phases.
- Overnight closures of the A4183 in winter 2026 for final surfacing.
Most work will take place Monday to Friday, 7:30am–6pm, with no work on Sundays or bank holidays. Full details of traffic management plans are available on the council’s website.
Key Timings
- Stage 1 (Sept 2025): Temporary signals, splitter island removal.
- Stage 2 (Oct 2025 – Spring 2026): New slip road construction, 30mph speed limit on A4183.
- Stage 3 (Spring/Summer 2026): Major roundabout works, traffic mostly free-flowing.
- Stage 4 (Summer/Autumn 2026): Road widening and tie-in works.
- Stage 5 (Autumn 2026): Verge works, slip road construction.
- Stage 6 (Winter 2026): Overnight closures, final surfacing, new junction open.
Community and Environmental Impact
The council says environmental impact has been carefully managed, with biodiversity planting, hedgerows, and wildflowers to replace vegetation removed. On-site offices will use biodiesel and solar energy where possible.
Archaeology work before construction uncovered evidence of ancient river systems and human life dating back half a million years.
Apprenticeships and local subcontractors will be used where possible, and the council has pledged to notify Google, Waze, and TomTom to update sat nav systems once the junction opens.
Residents’ Concerns
Some residents have raised fears about increased rat-running through nearby villages. The council says traffic calming is planned and mitigation measures are under review.
It also confirmed that emergency services will have access at all times during works.
Looking Ahead
Once complete, the Lodge Hill interchange will provide full access to and from the A34, improve bus reliability, and make active travel safer, while reducing congestion in Abingdon town centre.
Residents can keep updated on progress and traffic management arrangements via the Oxfordshire County Council website.
Key Details At a Glance
- Project start: enabling works Spring 2025.
- Main construction: Sept 2025 – Winter 2026.
- Cost: funded by Homes England, DLUHC, Housing Growth Deal, and developer contributions.
- Impact: 1,000+ homes unlocked, reduced Abingdon congestion, Science Vale growth.
- Safety: emergency services always maintained; speed limits and lane closures phased.
- Fun fact: Archaeology uncovered half-million-year-old evidence of early human life at the site.
