Walton Street Section 278 Works
Client: Oxford City Council
Budget: £43,000
Department: Highways and Engineering
Completed: November 2025
Summary
ODS Highways was commissioned to deliver Section 278 works on Walton Street in Jericho, Oxford. The works included installing new improved Belisha beacons, new drop kerbs, reconstructed footway surfaces and resurfacing, to enhance pedestrian safety.
Requirements
The work to replace current assets was required to enhance pedestrian safety, with an additional focus on improvements for those with visual impairments.
The site required temporary traffic measures whilst the work was being carried out.
The team removed the existing pelican lights and columns and installed two new Belisha Beacons on lighting columns.
On the footpaths, the existing slabs were taken up, and the existing concrete was reconditioned improving its strength before the slabs were reinstated to Oxfordshire County Council standards. In addition, eight new tactile pavings and drop kerbs were installed.
Challenges
Access to the shop where the works were being carried out was required during business hours.
The inclement weather across the project posed risks to the programme and its quality. This led to changes to the schedule which if not managed correctly could impact both completion and costs.
A small number of materials did not meet the required performance standards during installation inspection.
Solutions
The site manager proactively managed the project with built-in flexibility, maintaining continuous stakeholder coordination, monitoring external factors, and conducting regular inspections. All works adhered to appropriate quality assurance processes, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Through discussion with the relevant business owners, we ensured access to the shop was maintained throughout the works, and any work directly outside was carried out when the shop was closed.
The team kept updated on the weather forecast and works were rescheduled when the rain prevented work from being completed.
The materials that did not meet the required performance standards during installation inspections were proactively replaced to ensure full compliance with specification and long-term durability.
Results
The project was successfully completed, significantly improving the quality and durability of the footway surface, and the crossing. The work has significantly improved pedestrian safety and reduced the need for future maintenance.
Before
During
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