Highways Agency

The Project

The A34 Peartree to Weston-on-the-Green Major Maintenance scheme commenced on 12 September 2005 near Oxford between the Peartree Interchange (A44) and Weston-on-the-Green (B430) and was completed in April 2006.

Originally built 15 years ago, this section of the Highways Agency Area 3 network required major maintenance to 5 miles (8km) of both the north and southbound carriageway, including the replacement and full depth repair of a number of concrete sections, and the entire length of the scheme being overlayed with asphalt.

Completing the major maintenance work within the set time frame required the combination of 24hr and overnight work, comprising of north and southbound lane closures and reductions (sometimes reducing each carriage way to one lane from a Friday evening through to a Monday morning, in order to allow time for the concrete repairs to gain sufficient strength to be used), the installation of contraflows (a full closure of one carriageway with a single lane running in either direction on the other carriageway), plus exit and entry slip road closures with diversionary routes, throughout the scheme.

Measured traffic volumes upon this part of the Area 3 network would sometimes exceed 3,500 vehicles per hour, in each direction for long periods.  To minimise congestion and delays during the scheme, the works were carried out overnight during off peak hours.

In order to ensure the safety of the Highways Agency workforce and the travellers upon the A34, a 40mph speed limit was enforced throughout the length of the scheme, whilst a free vehicle recovery service was provided to prevent congestion if a commuter’s vehicle broke down at any point throughout the works.

The successfully completed major maintenance scheme will ensure that this stretch of the A34 will remain safe and serviceable for future road users, whilst providing a smoother quieter surface for users and local residents.