Residents Invited to Have Their Say on Major Transport Infrastructure Project
Commuters, residents, and businesses in Didcot are being invited to comment on proposals for the northern section of the new link road, designed to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and support local growth. Oxfordshire County Council has published the plans for review on its Let’s Talk Oxfordshire consultation platform.
The proposed road will connect to the existing A4130 Didcot Northern Perimeter Road / Abingdon Road / Ladygrove priority junction and is set to play a vital role in improving transport flow around Didcot.
Project Objectives
- Ease congestion by providing an alternative route for traffic that currently passes through Didcot town centre.
- Enhance walking and cycling routes, integrating with existing, planned, and proposed active travel infrastructure.
- Support housing and employment growth in the Science Vale area by providing improved connectivity.
Proposed Infrastructure Upgrades
- A signalised northern junction adding a new fourth arm to the existing A4130, Abingdon Road, and Ladygrove carriageways.
- Crossing provisions for pedestrians and cyclists to improve safety.
- A 5.6m-wide shared footway/cycleway along the western section of the route, fully segregated from traffic.
- New link roads connecting the northern junction with the Didcot NPR3 southern section, which is being delivered by Bloor Homes as part of the Ladygrove East development.
- A new roundabout at the southern end, linking to A4130 Hadden Hill.
Councillor’s Statement
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, emphasised the importance of the scheme:
“Didcot is growing and will continue to do so. This scheme will help to keep everyone moving efficiently by encouraging them to use the A4130 as a ring road around the town.
“The proposed works aim to improve connectivity around Didcot without the need to travel through the town centre. This will also help to make it easier for people to choose walking, cycling or taking public transport for short journeys.
“I encourage people to look at the proposals and help us understand the impact they’ll have. We’d like to hear how our proposals could work for local residents or where they may need some changes.”
Funding and Project Timeline
The scheme is being jointly funded through:
- Government infrastructure grants
- Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding
- Section 106 contributions from local developers
Public Consultation Details
A public consultation is running from:
Tuesday, 25 February 2025 (12:00pm) – Tuesday, 25 March 2025 (11:59pm)
The consultation showcases:
- Preliminary road design details
- Proposed layout arrangements
- Information on how the new infrastructure will impact transport in Didcot
Residents can access the consultation online and complete a survey by visiting:
letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/didcot-npr3-scheme
In-Person Drop-In Events
The online consultation will be supported by two public drop-in events at Ladygrove Community Centre, Tamar Way, Didcot, where residents can review plans and ask questions.
- Thursday, 6 March 2025 – 2:00pm – 8:00pm
- Thursday, 13 March 2025 – 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Next Steps
Following the consultation:
- Feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the final design.
- A planning application will be submitted later in 2025.
- Subject to approval, construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2026, with completion expected in summer 2027.
How to Get Involved
Project webpage: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/didcotnpr
Submit feedback via email: DidcotNPR3@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Why This Project Matters for Didcot Residents
- Eases congestion by diverting traffic away from the town centre.
- Encourages sustainable travel with safer cycling and walking routes.
- Supports local housing growth with better infrastructure.
- Boosts the economy by improving access to employment hubs.
Residents are strongly encouraged to review the proposals and share their views. Your feedback can help shape the future of Didcot’s transport network.
