Cherwell Street (Banbury) Improvements Update
Published: 20 February 2026
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Cherwell Street (Banbury) improvements update |
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We are working to improve bus journey times into and out of Banbury town centre by widening traffic lanes, and making improvements to pedestrian crossings traffic signals between the George Street and Bridge Street junctions. |
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| Image showing Bridge Street east looking towards Bridge Street west. |
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What has happened so far?
We started construction on Wednesday 7 January, with night works on the Bridge Street and George Street junctions. These night works finished at the end of January.
Construction of the whole project will last for seven month. When finished, the improvements will make bus journeys through Banbury town centre more reliable, while creating safer pedestrian crossings at junctions. |
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| These photos show 1) Bridge Street west traffic island removal and replacement and 2) George Street traffic island removal and replacement. |
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What to expect in the coming month
We will be working during the day from 2 February to 9 March to excavate, install drainage, ducting, kerbs and construct footpaths along Cherwell Street, Bridge Street west, Windsor Street and George Street.
At the Bridge Street junction, the northbound left lane on Cherwell Street will be closed with narrowing along Bridge Street west. The southbound right lane on Concord Avenue will also be closed.
At the George Street junction, the northbound left lane on Windsor Street will be closed. The eastern dedicated right-hand turn lane on George Street will be used to maintain westbound traffic. The bus lane along George Street will be repurposed for general traffic.
Some night work will be required near the Morrisons garage exit along Cherwell Street.
Access to businesses and emergency services will always be maintained and coordinated with the contractor. |
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| Image showing the next phase of the project. |
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Be aware- Temporary traffic lights with controlled pedestrian crossings will be implemented during the works.
- These lights are being monitored in real time, and CCTV cameras are now installed at the junction to observe traffic flow.
- Look out for pedestrian diversions and changes that will be clearly marked to help you navigate the area safely.
- Please be careful when passing through the road works, plan your travel accordingly and expect delays, especially at peak times.
For more details visit the project website at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cherwellstreetbus. |
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| What tasks have we completed recently? |
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We have:
Removed splitter islands.
Disconnected existing traffic signals. |
Installed temporary traffic signal systems.
Installed duct crossings across carriageways. |
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Over the next two to four weeks, we plan to:
Complete drainage along Windsor Street and Cherwell Street (northbound).
Complete ducting for traffic signals along Windsor Street and Cherwell Street (northbound). |
Install kerbs and construct the footpath along Windsor Street and Cherwell Street (northbound).
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