A DIVERSION on one of Oxford's busiest roads has been lifted ahead of schedule as development continues on a block of new student flats.

Iffley Road was shut yesterday on both sides between the junctions of Percy Street and Charles Street, to enable a tower crane to be dismantled on Wadham College's construction site.

Motorists and buses had to reroute and the closure was due to remain in place until 6pm.

However, the road had reopened by 9am today. 

It is not clear if workers are due to return to site today, but traffic was able to pass as usual this morning. 

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According to Wadham's website, however, the same closure will resume on Saturday and Sunday next weekend to allow cabins to be removed.

Oxford Mail:

The closure shown on Google Maps/ roadworks.org

Percy Street will also be closed from tomorrow until April 27, between Iffley Road and Sidney Street, to allow mains drainage work to be carried out. 

ALSO READ: Motorists face more roadwork misery on Iffley Road

Bus companies had advised passengers of disruption during the Iffley Road closure, with diversions due to be lifted at 6pm today. 

Stagecoach bus company had advised passengers that its 3 and 3A services will divert via Donnington Bridge Road and Abingdon Road, in both directions.

Passengers requiring stops on Iffley Road, between The Plain and Howard Street, are advised to use the Stops on Cowley Road as an alternative.

Oxford Bus Company said its city3/3A services will be unable to serve Howard Street West, Magdalen Road West, Henley Street, James Street West, The Plain, Queen’s Lane and High Street stops in both directions.

It has asked passengers to use St Aldates stop H5 or the Freelands Road stop, or the city5 and BROOKESbusU5 services on Cowley Road, as alternatives.

Work on the Dorothy Wadham Building, which will house 135 bedrooms, started in March 2017 and is due to finish in summer.