Research and analysis

Oxford to Cambridge expressway strategic study: stage 3 report

Sets out the findings from the Oxford to Cambridge expressway strategic study.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 28 November 2016

This publication was withdrawn on 18 March 2021

This information is out of date following the 18 March 2021 announcement to cancel the Expressway project.

Documents

Oxford to Cambridge expressway strategic study: stage 3 report

PDF, 23.2 MB, 56 pages

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Details

This is the stage 3 report for the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway Strategic Study. It outlines the high level case for a strategic link to connect the cities of ‘the brain belt’ together. It will inform further work being carried out to develop the options for intervention.

Based on work so far, consultants have identified three options to complete the ‘missing link’ between the M1 and the M40:

• a northern option, roughly following the existing A421 to the south of Bicester and via Buckingham to the east of Milton Keynes
• a central option, following the east-west rail corridor; and
• a southern option via Aylesbury, linking to the M1 south of Milton Keynes.

Background to the Oxford to Cambridge expressway strategic study

The Oxford to Cambridge expressway strategic study is one of 6 strategic studies that will inform the development of the second phase of the Road investment strategy (RIS 2).

The study was announced as part of the first phase of the Road investment strategy (RIS 1) published in December 2014. The RIS 1 and RIS 2 set out a long-term approach to improve England’s motorways and major roads (the ‘strategic road network’).

Published 28 November 2016