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, Councillor Liz Leffman, approved the award of a construction contract for the A40 Eynsham to Wolvercote scheme. The contract, valued at an estimated £70 million, will be awarded to Balfour Beatty Group Limited under the Scape Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework. This decision delegates authority to the Director of Environment and Highways, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Governance Services, to finalise the contract details and issue a notice to proceed for the main construction works.

The scheme aims to reduce congestion and provide alternative transport options by delivering a new junction to enable the Eynsham Park and Ride to become operational, creating shared service footways, and introducing bus lanes along the A40. It also includes plans for new signalised crossings to improve safety for non-motorised users and is expected 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 the project exceeding its approved budget and losing out on Homes England grant funding before the deadline. The NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract includes a two-stage process, allowing the council to assess the final cost and programme for Stage 2 before committing to the main construction works. This approach is permitted under the Procurement Act 2023, which allows for the continued use of framework agreements established under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

The decision is considered a key decision as the contract value exceeds £2 million. The estimated total value of the proposed construction works contract is within the approved budget. No additional staff resources are required, as the scheme will be managed by the existing HIF2 Project Team. The project also supports the Council's Climate Action Framework through measures to reduce congestion and promote alternative transport, alongside biodiversity enhancements and carbon reduction initiatives. The meeting was attended by Councillor Liz Leffman and Committee Officer Jack Ahier.