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Royal recognition for improvements to A361 between Banbury and Chipping Norton
25/11/2021
Scheme included increased skid resistance, surface water drainage and a shared use area for pedestrians and cyclists
Work to improve the safety and conditions on the A361 between Banbury and Chipping Norton has earned royal recognition. The Safer Roads Fund programme has won a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.
The road was previously classed as one of the 50 most dangerous A road sections in the UK by the International Road Assessment Programme. In response, the county council carried out the £5.1 million A361 Safety Improvements Project with funding from the Department for Transport.
Work on a wide range of safety improvements for the 16km stretch were completed last year, including the installation of a new Toucan crossing, and a glowing 2.5 metre-wide, 2000 metre-long, shared use path.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We were pleased to be involved in this important lifesaving project and are delighted that all the hard work has been recognised with this award.”
As part of the project carriageway resurfacing took place to increase skid resistance and surface water drainage was improved. Footway work saw the introduction of a shared use pedestrians/cycleway to allow safe off-road cycling.
In addition an existing Pelican crossing was converted to a Toucan crossing to allow safe connection between Ell’s Lane and Bloxham’s Warriner School.
His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, Executive Director of the Road Safety Foundation, said: “I was delighted when the government announced the Safer Roads Fund. The importance of sound investment at local level will provide many long-overdue improvements, not just in the 50 most dangerous stretches of A roads in England, but elsewhere too.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam