Highway improvements for sustainable travel at Banbury Railway Station

Client: Oxfordshire County Council
Duration: November 2024- ongoing

The scheme was split into two work packages:

1. Main highways improvements- road layout changes, pedestrian/ cycle links and new bus facilities.
2. Accommodation works- adjustment for Network Rail and Chiltern Railways operations.

As part of the works, our team were tasked in delivering several improvements, including:

• Extending Tramway Road to connect with Station Approach via a new roundabout.
• Creating dedicated pedestrian, cycle, bus and taxi links between the station forecourt and Tramway Road.
• Building new footways, cycleways and crossings to improve station access.
• Restricting general vehicle access to parts of Station Approach.
• Reconfiguring car parking layouts and introducing new access points.
• Installing new bus stops along Tramway Road and Station Approach Road.
• Upgrading lighting and landscaping for safety and aesthetics.

Our team has worked to successfully deliver highways improvements within phase one and two. Working to a high standard, we’ve ensured safety, sustainability and minimal disruption to station operations.

A phased approach, has allowed our team to progress the highway improvements while adapting to unforeseen challenges, such as:

• Redesigning on the move- Due to unforeseen issues, design was reworked without halting progress on other areas.
• Managing asbestos safely- Soil sampling revealed asbestos in the ground, leading to continuous air monitoring and a strict watching brief throughout the build.
• Protecting heritage- Archaeological watching briefs were put in place due to the historic footprint of the Britannia Works building, which had significant local interest.
• Responding to discoveries- A Victorian culvert was found during pipe run installation, as well as old track uncovered withing ducting works.
• Sustainable design features- Installed pollution controls measures to protect local waterways.

Construction started in October 2024. The first milestone was reached in June 2025 when the newly extended Tramway Road, new mini roundabout and footpath were opened to traffic towards the industrial estate and football club.

Work was then completed on new drainage, surfacing, lighting, fencing and landscaping in the station west car park A, along Station Approach Road north and in the station forecourt.

In December 2025 work was completed on the west station car park, which reopened in time for the festive season travel peak, providing access to standard, disabled and enlarged parking bays at the back of the station.

In the new year, the B3, 488 and 489 buses began stopping at the station forecourt, with the updated routes enabling passengers to be dropped off directly outside the station entrance and helping passengers connect between Cherwell Heights, Bodicote, Longford Park and Chipping Norton, as well as the town centre.

The last phase of construction, which involves a new drop off facility located to the south of the new roundabout, is expected to be built in spring 2026. This will provide six bays plus one reserved for disabled users.