WORK has begun on a two-mile tunnel underneath the city aimed at making sure Oxford University’s labs have enough power.

Drilling work has already started to connect a sub-station in Ferry Hinksey Road, West Oxford, to laboratories in the University Science Area.

Workers from Scottish and Southern Energy started the first phase last Tuesday, with the 33kv cable starting its journey in South Street, on Osney Island.

Oxford University spokesman Matt Pickles said: “Due to a continuing increase in the number and types of buildings in the science area, and the variety of scientific work being undertaken, the current electrical supply is no longer sufficient.”

He added: “The work being undertaken is expected to provide sufficient electrical capacity for all future demand for the next 50 years.”

The three-and-a-half-month project will include tunnelling under the River Thames, Park End Street, Gloucester Street and St Giles.

Kate Stewart, chairman of the Osney Island Residents’ Association, said some people were worried about disruption.

She said: “This is a major project. They literally have to go straight through residential areas and under the river to link the two sites.

“I would stress that Scottish and Southern and their contractors have worked hard to minimise the impact and have been open with us from the start. But some things have already gone wrong, with one family’s water supply being cut off by engineers.

“ I know some people are worried about the disruption.

“It could be very noisy and there will be restricted access.”

City councillor Susanna Pressell said the lack of information given to residents in her ward was “disgraceful”.

She said: “I think most people here appreciate that this work needs to be done.

“Parking restrictions were not suspended but people were still told to move their cars, which added to an already troublesome parking situation in the area.”

It is not known how much the project is costing, but Scottish and Southern Energy spokesman Sharon Miller-Mackenzie said the scheme should be finished by Thursday, May 5.

She said: “A lot of vital research takes place at Oxford University and this work will reinforce their network.

“We really appreciate the patience of people on Osney Island and we look forward to meeting with them again to discuss the project.

“We informed people in November about the scheme and held a public meeting.

“We have been very open from the start. Most of the work will be underground, though there may be some minor disruption and roadworks in places.”