Changes to scheduled closure of a major road has prompted concern from an official who says ongoing communication is "extremely frustrating".

Banbury Road south of Southwold Lane is set to close at the end of July until October 2025 to pave the way for work around the existing Banbury Road roundabout in Bicester.

The scheme is being led by Oxfordshire County Council to convert the existing roundabout into a signalised junction with traffic lights to "improve traffic flow and encourage more walking and cycling".

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But now the temporary closure is being advertised as from July 1 rather than the previously communicated date of July 28 to provide flexibility to manoeuvre between the dates, though works are still on track to proceed at the end of the July at this moment in time.

Donna Ford, county councillor for Bicester North and Caversfield, said: "It's extremely frustrating for residents that the closure of the Banbury Road may be longer than previously anticipated.

Oxford Mail: Donna Ford.Donna Ford. (Image: Bicester Town Council.)

"Something changes almost daily."

Ms Ford, a Conservative councillor, added the scheme as a whole was not one she supported but it had been "an ongoing battle to get the best of a bad situation".

Starting with closure of Fringford Road on February 7, work is being down on different stretches of road up until February 2025 to enable the roundabout to be redeveloped.

Ms Ford said: "The results of the consultation were that around 50 per cent of residents wanted a larger roundabout.

"In November 2021 the council made the decision to go against the public consultation and instead install a signalised junction.

"It is also deeply disappointing no traffic modelling was done."

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman confirmed they were currently in phase one of the roundabout construction, with phase three involving closure of the Banbury Road southbound.

Oxford Mail: Bicester Town Centre.Bicester Town Centre. (Image: Ed Nix)

They added: "As with any construction project we may need to change the programme if we experience poor weather or something unexpected happens on site like discovering poor ground conditions.

“Data modelling has been used to inform the final design, alongside consultation feedback, technical assessments, safety reports, and council policies.

"The modelling showed that the finished junction will have more capacity than the current roundabout and the new traffic signals will reduce delays by responding to traffic and crossing demands.

Oxford Mail: Confirmed design for construction.Confirmed design for construction. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

"It is not possible to accurately model the impact of temporary traffic management, because of how frequently it changes.

"However in response to feedback our temporary traffic management is now monitored by staff on site during peak hours.

“We will continue to keep residents and businesses informed and use their feedback to mitigate any inconvenience where we can.”

Traffic towards Bicester will be diverted both ways via the ring road during the Banbury Road closure stage.