Hospital needs link to bypass (From Oxford Mail)

Hospital needs link to bypass

Just what the local authority hopes to achieve by the recent modification to the roundabout approach to the John Radcliffe Hospital via Headley Way at Headington, Oxford, is unclear.

What seems certain, however, is that it will do little to address the problems of access to the hospital site when the building developments proposed for the next 10-15 years reach fruition.

traffic in Headley Way and its environs is already heavy, and often at a standstill for periods between 3-6pm on weekdays during term time. Present statistics predict that car numbers will double within 20 years.

Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to suggest that, unless the Headley Way/JR access problem is addressed and solved by 2010, we may face the prospect of patients dying in ambulances, gridlocked in Headley Way traffic.

A relief road taking traffic away from the JR site and Headington towards the ring road will be essential before 2010-2020.

Maybe more imaginative options are available.

Perhaps those responsible for planning and co-ordinating the development and road infrastructure for the next 10-20 years could be persuaded to give the public a progress report.

ANTHONY HUNT

Stainton Road

Headington

Oxford