London Road underpass victory celebrated as £10m secured to keep Bicester connected

Calum Miller MP and local Liberal Democrats have celebrated a major victory in the campaign for an underpass at Bicester’s London Road crossing, following Oxfordshire County Council’s decision to commit  £10 million to the project.

The council’s contribution, alongside East West Rail’s pledge of to deliver the underpass, secures the future of a vital connection through Bicester after years of uncertainty for residents and businesses.

Calum joined local Liberal Democrat councillors, members and activists at London Road for a photograph with a giant cheque representing the county council’s £10 million contribution.

The underpass will maintain a route for vehicles beneath the railway, alongside protected access for pedestrians and cyclists. Campaigners have long argued that retaining this connection is essential to keeping Bicester connected as East West Rail develops.

Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, said:

“This is a victory for Bicester and for everyone who refused to give up on London Road. Residents and businesses have faced years of uncertainty about a route they depend on every day. They deserved a lasting solution.

“I’m proud to have worked alongside local campaigners and our Liberal Democrat councillors to force this onto the Government’s agenda. For years, residents felt they were ignored by national Government and by local councils. Under Lib Dem leadership, the county council has stepped up with funding and I welcome the Government’s agreement to the underpass.

“Together, we have secured the commitment our town needed. I will keep pressing for that commitment to be turned into delivery.”

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“Keeping Bicester connected has been at the heart of our approach to London Road. People need a practical route through their town, whether they are walking, cycling or driving.

“Our £10 million contribution backs that commitment with investment. We have listened to residents and worked to secure a solution that meets Bicester’s needs. We now look forward to working with the Government and East West Rail to deliver it.”

David Hughes, Chief Executive, East West Rail: 

“We are pleased that funding has now been agreed to deliver an underpass at London Road level crossing. This follows several years of work with the local community, helping East West Rail to develop a solution that maintains connectivity, reduces congestion and improves safety. We would particularly like to thank Oxfordshire County Council for providing a key part of the funding for the underpass, and Calum Miller for his efforts to secure a design that works for the people of Bicester. We now look forward to delivering East West Rail and the connectivity it will bring to increase access to jobs from the local communities it will serve, transforming the opportunities available to the people who live in the region.”