Cow Lane in Didcot will see the installation of interactive artwork and lighting in June as part of wider improvement works designed to make the route brighter, safer and more welcoming.
The project is being delivered through a collaboration between South Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, and the Didcot Garden Town team.
Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson, cabinet member for planning policy including garden communities, said: “The artwork installed at Didcot Parkway Station looks great, and I can’t wait to see the second stage of this community project in place.
“It has already created a warmth and colourful welcome as you arrive at the station and for that to continue as you head into the town is wonderful.
“It’s great to see so many different community organisations working together to contribute to the project and make it celebration of Didcot and the people that live and work here.
“We thank everyone in advance for their patience during the road closure while this work takes place.”
The new artwork, named The Cow Lane Connecting Communities artworks, has been created by artists Raphael Daden and Second Nature Studio (formerly Pixel Puppets).
It will feature illuminated panels along the footpath side of the underpass that respond to movement with gentle light animations, remaining lit even during quieter periods to improve the sense of safety.
The installation is the result of input from more than 320 community members and six organisations, including Ladygrove Park Primary School, All Saints C of E Primary School and Didcot TRAIN.
The second stage of the Connecting Communities project, the work follows the recent installation of artwork at Didcot Parkway Station, with the goal of creating a welcoming outdoor gallery for all who use the route.
Funding for the project has come from a mix of sources, including £36,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, £15,000 from Great Western Railway’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, and £10,000 from the Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan.
Emma Morris, GWR senior community impact manager, said: “Our Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a superb programme that allows us to invest locally in projects that have a positive and meaningful impact for our customers and our communities.
“We’re proud to work together with South Oxfordshire District Council’s Didcot Garden Town team and Oxfordshire County Council to support the improvements to the Cow Lane underpass that will benefit both our customers and the wider Didcot community.”
To allow the improvements to take place, the underpass will be closed to vehicles from Sunday, June 7, to Wednesday, June 10, between 9.30am and 3.30pm each day.
Pedestrian and cycle access will reopen from Monday, June 8.
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