PLANS to divert a road under a new railway tunnel, to ease an expected surge in traffic resulting from the 6,000-home Bicester eco town, have been approved by district councillors.

The scheme will mean Howes Lane will be realigned and a new tunnel created at North West Bicester.

The new road line will run from Middleton Stoney Road roundabout to join Lord’s Lane, east of Purslane Drive. It will pass under the railway to the north of Avonbury Business Park.

Concerns were raised to Cherwell District Council over the speed limit along the existing Howes Lane and the new highway, as well as effectively linking cycle paths and pedestrian walkways to Bicester. Cherwell’s lead member for planning Michael Gibbard said: “This route will provide the key road through NW Bicester, not just for vehicles but for cyclists and pedestrians as well.

“It will integrate the new development with the existing town and provide enhanced capacity to meet the transport generated by the planned growth of Bicester.

“It has been identified that the Howes Lane/Lords Lane/Bucknell Road junction is a constraint to the town-wide transport network and improvements to it are necessary .”

County councillors for Bicester raised concerns about the proposals, and Bicester Town Council originally objected to the one-way section proposed for Shakespeare Drive, fearing that it would push traffic through the surrounding areas.

This was changed to two-way traffic in the latest application, with an agreement that if it resulted in a rat-running the one-way could be looked at again.

Councillors approved the application with a mind to add conditions that address these concerns, including a route for pedestrians and cyclists.

Lead developers A2Dominion’s spokeswoman said at the meeting: “This is the result of almost six years’ work.

“The need for an improved or new crossing has long been recognised by the county council and the need further identified as part of the masterplan.”

The approval comes as related plans for up to 1,700 homes, a retirement village and a primary school to be built at the eco town were deferred.