MOTORISTS in Oxford who have already suffered weeks of disruption due to roadworks, face 'chaos and confusion' as the next phase of a major project begins.

That was the warning from householders in Lime Walk, Headington, which will be partially shut to motorists as the next phase of the Access to Headington programme gets underway.

The £12.5m Oxfordshire County Council project, which aims to improve access points across the area, will begin work in Churchill Drive and Old Road on September 11 for 15 weeks.

Householders yesterday told the Oxford Mail that when the works start there will be ‘traffic chaos.’

Nigel Taylor, 56, said: “There will be chaos and confusion. We knew it was coming but if you don’t look online you don’t get all the details.

“It will certainly cause disruption. It will be nice when it’s all finished and you can go to the shops without having to queue for ages.”

Another resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: “It is going to cause chaos and I am worried about what’s going to happen to this street.

“It is going to be difficult and I don’t know if it is worth it. Not everybody can cycle. Elderly people might not be able to use a bicycle, for example.”

The county council said that the overall project, when completed next year, would encourage people to ditch their cars by improving facilities for pedestrians, public transport and cyclists.

Lime Walk was previously subjected to lengthy roadworks as part of a separate roadwork project – connecting a heat and energy pipe between the Churchill and John Radcliffe Hospitals.

That scheme, which has now finished, saw homes blocked for weeks and disruption for motorists throughout the area, earlier this year.

Oxfordshire county councillor for Headington and Quarry Roz Smith said: “There is going to be disruption again, not just for residents but also for anybody visiting the area. There is going to be pain and I am not convinced we are going to see a massive gain.”

The county council was asked for comment but failed to respond.