The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Highway Construction and Repair meeting on Monday 1 June 2026 approved the construction contract for the A40 Eynsham to Wolvercote scheme. This decision is a key decision and will become effective on 4 June 2026 unless called in for review.

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

The Cabinet Member for Highway Construction and Repair approved the award of the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract for the A40 Eynsham Park and Ride to Wolvercote scheme to Balfour Beatty Group Limited. This contract, valued at an estimated £70 million, is part of the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF2) programme. The decision delegates authority to the Director of Environment and Highways, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Governance Services, to finalise the scope, target cost, and programme for Stage 1 of the project, and subsequently issue a Notice to Proceed for the main construction works in Stage 2.

This decision is crucial for the A40 Eynsham to Wolvercote scheme, which aims to reduce congestion, improve bus journey times, enhance safety for non-motorised users, and unlock significant housing and employment growth across the region. The scheme is expected to facilitate the delivery of over 4,000 homes. The report highlighted that enabling works within this contract need to commence in mid-June 2026 to avoid project cost overruns and to ensure the utilisation of Homes England grant funding before its deadline. Delays had previously occurred due to a Regulation 25 notice issued in April, impacting the governance approval process.

The procurement route for this contract is via a call-off under the Scape Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework 2022–2026, which is a lawful and compliant method. The contract structure allows for the Council to terminate at the end of Stage 1 or proceed to Stage 2. The estimated value of the contract exceeds the £5,193,000 threshold, necessitating compliance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or the Procurement Act 2023, and the Council's Contract Procedure Rules.

The report confirmed that there are no new budgetary implications, as the contract value is within the approved budget. No additional staff resources are required, and the scheme will be managed by the existing HIF2 Project Team. Sustainability implications are addressed through the scheme's support for the Council's Climate Action Framework, by promoting alternative transport modes and including biodiversity enhancements and carbon reduction measures. The report also noted that the Council is acting in its statutory capacity as the highway authority for Oxfordshire under the Highways Act 1980.¹