Oxfordshire County Council has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to build a key section of a major transport upgrade scheme around Didcot, taking the project a step nearer to construction.

The contract covers the Didcot Science Bridge element of the wider Didcot and surrounding areas infrastructure package, which is being funded through the government’s Highways England Infrastructure Fund (HIF1). The overall HIF1 programme for the area has a value of about £332M.

The work for VolkerFitzpatrick will include dualling the A4130 east of the A34 Milton Interchange and constructing a new single‑carriageway bridge across the Great Western main line and Milton Road. The three‑span Science Bridge is designed to cross the existing A4130, the railway and Milton Road, with the road continuing through the site of the former Didcot A power station to rejoin the A4130 north of Purchas Road roundabout at a T‑junction.

Under the plans, the existing A4130 carriageway will be repurposed for eastbound traffic towards Didcot. A new central reservation will be formed by taking land from the current southern ditch and two new westbound lanes will be built to link towards the Milton interchange. Aecom appointed last year to support design work on these elements.

Enabling works – including site clearance, archaeological investigations and utility diversions – are already under way. Main construction is expected to start in spring and is forecast to take about two years to complete.

A4130 widening – looking west

The package aims to reduce congestion, provide more reliable journey times, improve pedestrian and cycling links, and support planned housing and employment growth in and around Didcot. The scheme also includes new and improved bus infrastructure and routes.

The HIF1 programme comprises four main elements. The Science Bridge and the A4130 dualling are two.

The other two are being delivered by contractor Graham. One is the Didcot to Culham River Crossing, which will create a single‑carriageway link between Didcot and Culham with new bridges over the Thames and Appleford railway sidings, upgraded junctions, and enhanced walking and cycling facilities. The other is a 2.2km Clifton Hampden Bypass to link the A415 at Culham with the B4015 north of Clifton Hampden, including a new roundabout providing access to Culham Science Centre and the local railway station.

The transport package has been in development for several years as part of wider efforts to accommodate growth associated with Didcot’s expanding economy and planned housing developments.

Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for place, environment and climate action, said: “I’m very pleased that we have reached the stage where we have appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to build an important section of the scheme.

“This means work will start soon on this transformative infrastructure development. It will offer more sustainable travel options in and around Didcot and provide opportunities for more direct, faster and more reliable bus routes. It will also improve road safety and support the creation of new jobs and economic growth in the local area.”

Paul Lilley, strategic projects director, VolkerFitzpatrick commented: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver the Didcot Science Bridge, a key component of this transformative infrastructure programme.

“Our team brings extensive experience in delivering complex civil engineering projects, and we look forward to working closely with Oxfordshire County Council and its partners to create infrastructure that will improve journey times, enhance sustainable travel options, and support future growth across the region.”

Pauline Schaffer, director – infrastructure funding, Homes England, said: “The appointment of VolkerFitzpatrick represents a major step forward in delivering vital transport improvements for Didcot and the surrounding areas.

“Homes England’s investment through the Housing Infrastructure Fund is helping to bring forward the Didcot infrastructure scheme, unlocking much‑needed new homes and employment space for the local area.”

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