THE westbound carriageway of the A420 is set to stay closed for at least another two weeks while roadworks continue.

It is currently shut between the A34 and Cumnor, with diversions in place via the A34, A4183 and B4017.

This is due to the county council carrying out resurfacing work after the road subsided by about 40cm.

Temporary repairs to the carriageway were carried out last year, but to prevent further deterioration of the road Oxfordshire County Council said it needed to carry out major resurfacing works.

Council spokesman Owen Morton said work to repair the westbound carriageway was going well and it was hoped the road would be reopened by mid-May.

He added: “While the westbound side is closed, drainage surveys and routine maintenance work are also being done in order to make the most of the closure.”

The work is being blamed for heavy traffic to the west of Oxford, with rushhour queues on Botley Road having been a severe problem this week.

On Wednesday Stagecoach reported 75-minute delays on their services in the area and Oxford Bus Company had to stop servicing the railway station because of the traffic.

After motorists complained about the lack of construction workers on the road, Mr Morton said: “Various tasks such as surveying, drainage work and routine maintenance are being carried out at locations along the bypass ahead of resurfacing work.

"This work will be less ‘visible’ to motorists and does not involve the heavy machinery associated with the major embankment work which has now been completed.”