Oxford and Cambridge Expressway
Area for route options development. Credit: © Crown copyright.

The UK Government has selected the preferred central corridor ‘B’ to develop the Oxfordshire to Cambridge Expressway.

Highways England examined and reviewed all three options A, B and C, finding that Corridor B would provide greater benefits to the region in the terms of improved links to jobs, education, leisure and health services.

Roads Minister Jesse Norman said: “The government is taking the big decisions on infrastructure, working to maximise growth and productivity across the UK.

“England’s economic heartland, as it has been called, already plays a crucial role in powering the UK’s growth, science and innovation, but there is no single route to connect Oxford and Cambridge. This expressway will enhance both transport connectivity and growth across the region for the benefit of the UK as a whole.”

“Providing a link between two of the country’s leading universities, the Expressway will open up vital jobs, skills and housing opportunities to transform the region’s economy.”

With options to pass either west or east of Oxford, the expressway is also expected to save up to 40 minutes of travel time between the A34 south of Oxford and the M1.

Building the new connection near the east / west rail link will also provide more options for the commercial development of up to one million new homes, in line with proposals by the National Infrastructure Commission.

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Robert Jenrick said: “The Oxford to Cambridge arc is one of the greatest opportunities for economic growth in Europe. We want to realise that potential by investing in the new infrastructure the area needs and the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway is an important part of our plan.”

Providing a link between two of the country’s leading universities, the Expressway will open up vital jobs, skills and housing opportunities to transform the region’s economy.

A full public consultation will be organised next year, which will offer locals and businesses the opportunity to express their views on more detailed designs for the route.