DRIVERS are being warned to expect delays on Banbury Road from Monday as four months of gas main replacement works begin.

Gas network company SGN is estimated to take until the end of May to renew existing gas mains, which Oxfordshire County Council said would ensure a 'continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area for many years to come'.

The council has worked with SGN to minimise delays, with temporary two-way traffic lights to be manually controlled between 7am and 7pm.

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Yvonne Constance, cabinet member for Environment, said: “Nobody looks forward to major utility work like this, but without SGN doing their gas main replacement local supplies would be at risk.

“The county council has worked closely with SGN to minimise disruption as far as possible, but there will inevitably be delays on the roads.

“The best advice is to allow extra time if you really need to use Banbury Road and, if it’s not essential, consider other routes or different modes of transport.”

The 'essential' work involves replacing old metal pipe with new plastic pipe and will move in phases along the busy route, starting at Upland Park Road and finishing by the junction of Rogers Street.

SGN spokesperson Katie Lobban added: "We know that roadworks can be frustrating, but this essential work will keep you, your family and your local community safe."