A significant transport upgrade for Didcot and nearby villages has moved a step closer, after Oxfordshire County Council signed a contract with VolkerFitzpatrick to construct the Didcot Science Bridge, part of the Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure (HIF1) programme.

The HIF1 scheme is designed to cut congestion, make journey times more dependable, improve walking and cycling links, and unlock new jobs, homes and employment land in and around the town. It comprises four sections featuring upgrades to existing roads, the creation of new routes, additional walking and cycling connections, and measures to support new and enhanced bus services.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council's 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."

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Under the construction contract, the A4130 will be dualled to the east of the A34 Milton Interchange, alongside delivery of a new single carriageway bridge spanning the railway line and Milton Road.

The dualling will repurpose the current A4130, using the existing southern ditch to form a central reservation and building two additional lanes to the south. Traffic on the existing carriageway will run eastbound towards Didcot, while the newly built lanes will carry westbound traffic towards the Milton Interchange.

The three‑span Science Bridge will cross the A4130, the Great Western main line and Milton Road. From there, the new road will pass through the former Didcot A Power Station site before tying back into the A4130 north of Purchas Road roundabout via a T‑junction.

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."

Early enabling activity, including site clearance, archaeological investigations and utility diversions, is already in progress. Main construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring and is expected to take around two years to complete.