The long-awaited Shores Green slip roads officially opened to traffic this morning, marking a significant milestone in improving access to Witney and helping to ease congestion across the town.
The new junction provides a direct connection between the A40 and the eastern side of Witney, offering motorists an alternative route into the town and reducing pressure on key routes, including Bridge Street.
Cllr Liam Walker, Leader of the Conservative Group at Oxfordshire County Council, said: "Today's opening is fantastic news for Witney and represents years of hard work to improve our town's transport infrastructure. This new access should help reduce congestion in the town centre and provide a much-needed alternative route for residents and businesses. I also hope it will reduce the volume of traffic cutting through nearby villages such as Crawley. While there is still more to do, particularly bringing back the A40 dual carriageway upgrades between Witney and Eynsham, this is a major step in the right direction."
Local County Councillor for Witney East, Cllr James Robertshaw, added: "Residents have waited a long time to see this project completed and I'm delighted the slip roads are now open. This is an important investment in Witney's future that will improve connectivity and make everyday journeys easier for thousands of people. I look forward to monitoring the positive impact it has on traffic across the area."
Cllr Lysette Nicholls, Chair of South Leigh and High Cogges Parish Council, said: "This is a welcome day for our local communities. We hope the new access road will help take traffic away from surrounding villages, improve journey reliability and make local roads safer for everyone. We will continue working with the county council to ensure the wider transport network delivers for both residents and businesses."
The opening of the Shores Green slip roads forms part of wider improvements to the A40 corridor, aimed at supporting economic growth, improving connectivity and tackling congestion across West Oxfordshire.
