Two west-facing slip roads are being built at Shores Green in Witney, with work having begun in February this year.
When complete, it will allow traffic to access the westbound A40 without travelling through the town’s centre.
In addition, the council said it will help address congestion and air quality problems in Witney – particularly at Bridge Street – and improve links for walking and cycling in the surrounding area, both to and from South Leigh and the A40.
While the work has been going on, there have been speed restrictions in place and multiple night closures.
New westbound slip roads are being built at the A40 junction at Shores Green (Image: Oxfordshire County Council) The council has now updated that the scheme “has continued to make good progress”.
It remains within its £25 million budget and is moving forward “to plan”.
A spokesperson said: “Enabling works are complete and the project is now in the full construction phase.”
The council adds that it is now expected to complete in the summer of next year, earlier than the previously quoted date of September 17.
“There will be further night closures,” the spokesperson said, “needed to facilitate construction, which will include adding street lighting, drainage improvements and installing new pedestrian crossings.”
They added: “Most of the planned closures will affect the B4022 entry and exit slip roads to and from A40.”
The next is set to occur on Monday, July 7 and will last all week until Friday, July 11.
For almost 15 years, it was in the planning stage and having finally been green lit last year was delayed by six months.
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This was due to issues with the land negotiation and the compulsory purchase order decision.
Following this, there was a further scare when the traffic closure order for works in 2024 was cancelled “and initially a 2026 start date was given” by mistake ahead of a full council meeting.
However, the scheme did eventually begin with the reduced speed limits put in place from February 10.
As well as its impact on traffic within Witney, Oxfordshire County Council believes it will also support and mitigate the impacts of major new development sites planned in East and North Witney of up to 4,702 homes.
The town continues to be a centre for homebuilding with one developer recently terming it “the most suitable location for new homes in West Oxfordshire”.