VolkerFitzpatrick to build part of major infrastructure scheme in Didcot
A major scheme to improve travel through Didcot and the surrounding villages has taken another step towards construction.
Oxfordshire County Council has now formally entered into a contract with VolkerFitzpatrick to build the Didcot Science Bridge section of the Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure (HIF1) scheme on behalf of the council.
The scheme will provide vital transport infrastructure to reduce congestion and enable more reliable journey times, improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity, and support new employment sites and housing in and around Didcot.
The project includes four sections that incorporate improvements to existing roads, the construction of new roads, new walking and cycle routes, and will help to facilitate new and enhanced bus services.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “I’m very pleased that we have reached the stage where we have appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to build an important section of the scheme.
“This means work will start soon on this transformative infrastructure development. It will offer more sustainable travel options in and around Didcot and provide opportunities for more direct, faster and more reliable bus routes. It will also improve road safety and support the creation of new jobs and economic growth in the local area.”
The construction contract will include creating a dual carriageway along the A4130 east of the A34 Milton Interchange and a new single carriageway bridge across the railway line and Milton Road.
The dualling of the A4130 will repurpose the existing carriageway, using the current southern ditch to create a central reservation and adding two new lanes to the south. The existing A4130 carriageway will travel eastbound towards Didcot and the newly constructed lanes will travel westbound towards Milton interchange.
The three-span Science Bridge will cross over the existing A4130, the Great Western mainline railway, and Milton Road. The road will continue through the former Didcot A Power Station connecting back into the A4130 north of Purchas Road roundabout with a T-junction.
“We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver the Didcot Science Bridge, a key component of this transformative infrastructure programme. “Our team brings extensive experience in delivering complex civil engineering projects, and we look forward to working closely with Oxfordshire County Council and its partners to create infrastructure that will improve journey times, enhance sustainable travel options, and support future growth across the region.”
Paul Lilley Strategic Projects Director, VolkerFitzpatrick
Pauline Schaffer, Director – Infrastructure Funding, Homes England, said: “The appointment of VolkerFitzpatrick represents a major step forward in delivering vital transport improvements for Didcot and the surrounding areas.
“Homes England’s investment through the Housing Infrastructure Fund is helping to bring forward the Didcot infrastructure scheme, unlocking much‑needed new homes and employment space for the local area.”
Enabling works, including site clearance, archaeology investigations and utility diversions, are already underway. Main construction is expected to start in the Spring, and last approximately two years.
