Southern bypass and bridge over Thames proposed

3:21pm Tuesday 2nd December 2008

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A new bridge could be built across the River Thames in one of the most significant potential developments in Abingdon’s recent history.

The proposed new crossing and town bypass are part of the Vale of White Horse District Council’s local development framework — a document unveiled last Friday that replaces its local plan.

This is exactly what Abingdon needs. It is absolutely fantastic news

Stuart Bates, president of Abingdon Chamber of Commerce

The Vale proposals would see a Thames crossing and southern bypass built as part of a 1,500-home development to the south west of the town. The 1,500 homes could alternatively be built at Wantage or Grove.

The bypass would link the Culham Road with the Marcham Road at the Tesco roundabout.

Such a scheme has long been viewed as a solution to Abingdon’s congestion problems and is seen by many as the most important possible step in the regeneration of the town centre.

The new local development framework — which details anticipated residential, commercial and infrastructure projects in the district over the next 18 years — also includes a proposal that the A34 Lodge Hill junction is turned from a two-way junction to a four-way junction.

Stuart Bates, president of Abingdon’s Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is exactly what Abingdon needs. It is absolutely fantastic news.

“Until Abingdon gets a second bridge you are not going to resolve the traffic problems that you have in the town centre.”

Abingdon businessman Steve King, who owns several properties in the town, said: “The bridge is much needed and would alleviate Abingdon’s traffic problems.”

The town council has long pressed Oxfordshire County Council for a second crossing over the Thames and a southern relief road.

Abingdon town councillor Tim Oates said: “As a town council we are keen that this development of the road and the second river crossing goes ahead.

“It would be a positive long-term move and would benefit the town.”

Peter Mann, the county council’s assistant head of transport, said that the schemes would cost several million pounds to implement.

He said: "Such schemes are likely to be very costly and, unless developer funding could be secured, would require Government money to deliver.

“This would involve justifying them to Government against fierce competition from other schemes in other areas across the South East region.”

The district council hopes that developer contributions could pay for some of the work.

District council leader Tony de Vere said: “A southern relief road in Abingdon could bring a great benefit to those in south Abingdon and those who struggle in Drayton Road.

“There are opportunities within the document and it sets out what is a realistic opportunity for infrastructure to come with this development.”

The proposals also received public backing this week.

Abingdon resident Hazel Healy, 84, said: “We have been wanting that for ages. It’s very important that both of them happen as the town is dying.”

Elvira Perry, 53, said: “A second bridge will be very good. People don’t come to town because of all of the traffic — the town is dying.”

The document also includes the proposal to build a Marcham bypass.

Marcham parish councillor Marjorie Evans has campaigned for the past 25 years for traffic to be diverted away from the village.

She said: “This is absolutely excellent. It would make a whole world of difference to the village.

“The Vale has always supported the bypass — the problem is funding the bypass.”

Councillors will decide whether to approve the local development framework and put it out to public consultation in January.