MORE details have been released over a planned road closure that left some residents scratching their heads.

Oxfordshire County Council said it needed to close Old Abingdon Road in order to re-enforce the bank that supports the nearby Southern Bypass.

The road will be closed between the bypass and Kennington Road from Monday, August 22, for approximately six weeks, the council said.

A previous announcement by the authority, that the road would be closed for unexplained "embankment maintenance" for up to 18 months, had caused confusion among Kennington residents.

Spokesman Martin Crabtree said: "Work will soon begin to strengthen the highway embankment that supports the A423 Southern Bypass eastbound near the junction with Old Abingdon Road.

"This work has been planned for the summer when the ground is drier, and also timed to avoid the soon to be completed Hinksey railway flood alleviation works."

He also said Old Abingdon Road would re-open each day from 7.30am to 9.30am to inbound traffic from the bypass into Oxford.

He added: "The situation at weekends will depend on progress, but efforts will be made to keep the road open in one direction where feasible and with the arrangements being signed accordingly."

Mr Crabtree said access for cyclists and pedestrians will be maintained at all times in each direction and that Redbridge Hollow will have access maintained at all times.

He confirmed the road closure would last for "approximately six weeks".