The Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, Councillor Judy Roberts, met on 22 January 2026 to approve the detailed design contract for the North West Bicester Strategic Link Road. This decision aims to facilitate further residential and economic development in the area.

North West Bicester Strategic Link Road Detailed Design Contract

Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, authorised the procurement of a contract for the detailed design of the North West Bicester Strategic Link Road. The contract will be awarded to Perfect Circle JV Ltd, utilising the Scape National Consultancy Framework. Authority has also been delegated to the Director of Environment & Highways to finalise and award the Professional Services Contract, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Head of Legal and Governance.

The North West Bicester Strategic Link Road scheme is a crucial component for unlocking the remaining residential development planned for North-West Bicester, which includes provision for 6,000 homes and at least 3,500 jobs. Phase 1 of the scheme, involving a new railway bridge, was completed in Summer 2021. The proposed link road will realign the A4095, providing compliant walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities, bus infrastructure, and necessary upgrades to the junction of Middleton Stoney Road, A4095, and Vendee Drive. The detailed design phase is expected to commence in early 2026, with an estimated contract value of £1.9 million.

Councillor Roberts highlighted the rapid growth of Bicester and the necessity of a robust highways network to address traffic concerns, particularly in light of the closure of London Road due to East-West Rail plans. She noted that the County Council will be delivering sections of the scheme from the Railway Bridge to Middleton Stoney junction, while the developer will manage the sections from the Railway Bridge to Lords Lane. The decision to proceed with the detailed design contract was made to ensure the timely progression of this significant infrastructure project.

The procurement process will adhere to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules and the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, with the contract to be a NEC4 Professional Service Contract, Option C. The Council is delivering this scheme in its capacity as the highway authority for Oxfordshire under the Highways Act 1980.

The meeting also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 December 2025. There were no declarations of interest, questions from County Councillors, or petitions and public address received for this meeting.