Prime Minister misses chance to end Bicester uncertainty on London Road underpass

Bicester MP urges residents to back underpass in consultation after PMQs exchange.

Calum Miller MP today challenged the Prime Minister to confirm the Government’s support for a motorised underpass at Bicester’s London Road level crossing. He expressed disappointment after the Prime Minister failed at Prime Minister’s Questions to give a clear commitment that the plan will be backed.

When rail services start between Oxford and Cambridge, the London Road level crossing is due to close, cutting the town in two. Campaigners say a motorised underpass is the only option that keeps London Road open and works for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

At PMQs, Calum told the Prime Minister that Bicester is now “in touching distance of a solution”, and urged him to back the plan for an underpass. In response, the Prime Minister said he “agree[d] access to Bicester must be maintained” and that he would like to “reassure” residents that they would be able to make their views known through the upcoming consultation.

Calum said that while consultation matters, Bicester now needs ministerial clarity and momentum to get a decade long campaign over the line.

East West Rail’s “You Said, We Did” report (in November 2025) confirmed that local opinion favours a motorised underpass and the company has published updated designs and proposed works. Oxfordshire County Council has since committed up to £10 million in principle, narrowing the remaining funding gap, while thousands of local people have backed the Pound to Go Underground campaign.

Calum Miller MP said:

“Local people have done everything that has been asked of them, and more. East West Rail has a detailed plan, the Rail Minister is engaged, the council has stepped up with funding and thousands of residents have backed the Pound to Go Underground campaign.

“I welcome the Prime Minister agreeing that access to Bicester must be maintained. But it is a great shame he did not take the chance to end the uncertainty today.

“The Prime Minister said residents should make their views known in the consultation.

“I know people are fed up of endless consultations, but this matters too much to our town to stop now. This weekend, East West Rail are running two consultations in Bicester. It is crucial Bicester turns out in large numbers and to do so with one clear message: back the motorised underpass that keeps London Road open.”

The London Road level crossing has long been identified as a major barrier to movement across Bicester once rail services increase. Local campaigners continue to warn that an up and over footbridge would be inadequate for many users and would not meet the needs of a growing town.