The Government has today announced its preferred corridor for the Oxford to Cambridge expressway with Corridor B chosen. A full public consultation on the route will follow.
North Oxfordshire MP,Victoria Prentis has responded to the decision: "Today’s corridor announcement does not come as a surprise given that broad alignment with East West Rail makes strategic sense.
It is still early days for the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway project. Now that the corridor announcement has been made there will be an extensive period of consultation as route options are considered. Highways England has made it very clear from the outset that the project will build and enhance existing road networks. It will not see the construction of a brand-new road from start to finish. I feel very strongly that we should see this as an opportunity to get the investment in our local infrastructure which is long overdue, and which is so essential given the pace of housing growth in and around Bicester.
I am old enough to remember the upheaval caused by the construction of the M40 and have been consistent in my opposition of HS2, not least because of the huge cost, so I am very aware of the impact major infrastructure projects like the Expressway can have on residents living in the surrounding area. I intend to work closely with all affected communities to ensure that we have a strong voice as plans develop and can reap the rewards from the project."
County Councillor for Otmoor and South Bicester Dan Sames added: "The news that Otmoor Nature Reserve will not form part of the route is very welcome and reaffirms protection for this important wildlife area. With the remainder of the corridor being so wide, it will be important that the concerns of local people are listened to so that a positive outcome can be achieved for Bicester and the surrounding villages."
