This comes as a public consultation on its updated plans for the rail project connecting Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge launched today (November 14).
The design plans include proposals to close London Road Crossing in Bicester and for traffic to be diverted using existing roads and upgraded local road diversions.
An accessible replacement crossing – either a footbridge or underpass – has been proposed for cyclists, pedestrians and other users.
Fears have previously been raised – including by Bicester’s MP Calum Miller – that a closure of the crossing would “cut the town in two”.
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Plans to accommodate four EWR trains per hour in each direction in addition to existing services means the minimum barrier down time at the level crossing would “likely exceed” 32 minutes per hour, which would create “unacceptable waiting times” for users of the crossing and the doubling of traffic queues, as well as “significant safety concerns”.
A statement from EWR said: “We are therefore proposing to close the level crossing and replace it with either a bridge or underpass for pedestrians, cyclists and other users, to ensure people can still access Bicester safely and easily.
“Road traffic would be re-routed via existing roads, with associated local road improvements.”
The proposal was made after EWR considered two road bridge options to create a new vehicle crossing.
EWR said the first option would be to replace the level crossing with a new bridge adjacent to the existing crossing, but EWR said this would be twice as high as other structures in the vicinity, which would have a “significant” visual impact, especially for nearby residents and local businesses.
EWR has also looked at a second option of providing a new bridge at Gavray Drive, which is away from the crossing and would require the demolition of several commercial premises on the retail park off Launton Road, Lidl and Wickes.
However, EWR believes this would also “jeopardise” the proposed development of 300 homes and may lead to increasing traffic onto less suitable residential roads.
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EWR found that neither option provided a material saving in time to people’s journeys compared to using alternative routes, and the preferred solution is for traffic to be diverted using existing roads and upgraded local road diversions.
The company said this option would be cheaper and have less visual and construction impact.
The plans have been updated following feedback at the previous non-statutory consultation and further technical design work.
Residents can have their say on the plans at a consultation at Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, on Tuesday, November 19 from 2pm until 7pm.
In Bicester, there will be a consultation at John Paul II Centre, The Causeway, on Thursday, November 21 from 2pm until 7pm.
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