Work is due to start tomorrow, Monday, on the second phase of improvements on the M40/A34 junction.
The improvements, near Wendlebury, are expected to help reduce congestion and are part of the Government’s £317 million pinch point programme on motorways and major trunk roads to be delivered by 2015.
The work will also underpin growth in the local economy and support the Bicester Master Plan.
The first phase of work at the roundabout took place in 2011 and involved widening the M40 southbound exit slip road and the A34 southbound entry road from the junction.
Ed French, Highways Agency project sponsor said: “The improvements to the M40/A34 junction will allow the junction to work more efficiently, reducing congestion and improving journey times for the thousands of drivers that use it daily.
“The work will involve signalising the junction, with technology in place to manage traffic flows efficiently, widening lanes on the junction, as well as certain approaches and the installation of a super-span sign gantry over the A34 to provide traffic information to drivers.
“We will be working day and night at the junction so that drivers can feel the benefits of the improvements as soon as possible and, to this end, there will be narrow lanes at the junction with a 40mph temporary speed limit in place for the safety of drivers and our road workers.
“Full closures of roads have been planned to minimise disruption and will take place overnight with a clearly signed diversion route in place.”
As part of the M40/A34 pinch point scheme:
> Traffic signals will be put in place;
> Lanes will be widened on the junction on the A34 northbound approach and A41 approach and exit;
> Lay-bys on the A34 and A41 at the junction will be closed permanently;
> A super-span sign gantry over the A34 will be installed;
> There will also be resurfacing at the junction, improved street lighting, improvements to drainage and new signs and road markings.
Work will start during the day on the A34 northbound approach widening and at junction itself overnight, with lane closures for drainage improvements to be carried out.
Further information about closures as part of the scheme will be publicised in advance.