MOTORISTS have been warned their journeys into Oxford could be disrupted by work to repair a bridge which lies on a key route into the city. 

Oxfordshire County Council’s work to repair stonework on the Grade I-listed Folly Bridge, pictured, started on Monday but traffic management will be put in place on September 17 and then enforced on the morning of September 18. From then signals will be in place all day. 

A footpath will be kept open for pedestrians at all times but the Thames towpath leading east from the bridge and the channel under the bridge at the bottom of Abingdon Road will remain closed. Towpath works are also being completed at the same time and there will be temporary traffic lights in place on the bridge.

The work has to be undertaken now because bats living under the bridge can only be moved at certain times of the year.

Yvonne Constance, county council cabinet member for environment, said: “We will be allowing traffic to continue to use this major route, which can take up to approximately 15,000 vehicles per day, into Oxford and you get some idea of the difficulty.

“Many people have been very keen for the road to be resurfaced here and I hope road users will be pleased by the end result. During the work there will be delays and so our advice is to plan your journey.”

The work is expected to be complete by the time the Westgate Centre reopens on October 24.