Work started on a controversial scheme to close a gap in the Oxford ring road in November 1989.

The work on the Eastern Bypass approaching Oxford's Green Road roundabout was designed to stop traffic crossing the dual carriageway to turn right from Beaumont Road in Headington Quarry.

Traffic signals were also being installed as part of the work.

The scheme was approved earlier in the year despite a 500-name petition from residents form the Headington Quarry area who wanted to avoid the congestion of the Green Road roundabout.

Mr James Fletcher, Oxfordshire County Council's assistant county surveyor and engineer said: "This is one of the worst accident blackspots in the county."

He said £143,000 had been budgeted for the improvements, which replaced an earlier plan to shut the Kiln Lane gap.

This was shelved after a campaign by people in Risinghurst and Sandhills who complained that the estate would become isolated.

Mr Fletcher added: "We had to strike a balance between people's convenience and out objectives in reducing accidents."