The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Highway Construction and Repair meeting on Monday 01 June 2026 approved the construction contract for the A40 Eynsham to Wolvercote scheme. This key decision will allow for the commencement of enabling works and the main construction phase of the project.

Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF2) – A40 Eynsham to Wolvercote Construction Contract

The meeting approved the recommendations for the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF2) – A40 Eynsham to Wolvercote construction contract. This decision delegates authority to the Director of Environment and Highways, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Governance Services, to award the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract to Balfour Beatty Group Limited. The estimated total value of the contract is £70 million. This approval is subject to the finalisation of the scope, target cost, and programme for Stage 1, as well as the Option X22 Budget and Pricing Information. Following the completion of Stage 1 enabling works, authority is also delegated to issue a Notice to Proceed for Stage 2, which will commence the main construction works.

This project, identified as a key decision in the council's forward plan¹, aims to reduce congestion and provide alternative transport modes along the A40. Key benefits include the operationalisation of the Eynsham Park and Ride, the delivery of shared service footways, and the implementation of new bus lanes eastbound between Eynsham Park and Ride and Cassington junction, and eastbound from Duke's Cut Bridge to Oxford North Junction, as well as a westbound bus lane between Cassington Junction and Eynsham Park and Ride. Additionally, new signalised crossings will improve safety for non-motorised users. The scheme is also intended to unlock housing development sites, facilitating the construction of over 4,000 homes and significant employment growth.

The report highlighted that the current cost estimate and programme are dependent on enabling works commencing in mid-June 2026. Any delay would risk exceeding the approved budget and jeopardise the use of Homes England grant funding before its deadline. The NEC4 contract structure, specifically Option X22, allows the council to terminate the contract after Stage 1 or proceed to Stage 2. The urgency for this decision was driven by a Regulation 25 notice issued in April, which had impacted the governance approval process and timings, necessitating the commencement of season-dependent enabling works to mitigate programme and cost pressures.

The procurement route via the Scape Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework is considered lawful and compliant with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. The estimated contract value falls within the approved budget, and no additional staff resources are required. The scheme also supports the Council's Climate Action Framework through its focus on reducing congestion and promoting alternative transport, alongside biodiversity enhancements and carbon reduction measures.