TIME Team-style archaeological trenches are being dug in a field near the A34 to prepare for the creation of a huge artificial river.

The survey trenches being dug in a field near South Hinksey will prepare a site where workers on the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme could be based.

The scheme will eventually see a huge water channel, described as an artificial river, dug around the west of Oxford, with the aim of taking rain water off the fields and preventing flooding.

The latest issue of a newsletter from the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme said the field near South Hinksey is being sized up for use as 'the main compound for when we construct the scheme'.

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A photograph in the newsletter shows a long, shallow trench in a field, similar to the ones dug in archaeology television programmes like Time Team, surrounded by high metal fences.

The newsletter also includes an update on the replacement of the Kennington Railway Bridge.

This bridge on the southern Oxford bypass is coming to the end of its life, and work to prop up its underside is being carried out by Oxfordshire County Council.

The council hopes to replace the bridge in coming years, with some road closures in place currently until October, including on junctions which leave the bypass.

Oxford Mail:

A temporary flood barrier being put up by the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme. Picture: OFAS

Earlier in the year, it was announced that the flood alleviation scheme would be delayed so that the bridge could be rebuilt as the two schemes cover the same area of land.

The newsletter added: "Replacement of the A423 Bridge has provided an opportunity to design and build the bridge and the flood scheme together.

"This allows us to reduce disruption during construction and ensure the best use of public money. The updated design will use open channels instead of culverts to allow the flow of floodwater under the bridge.

"This will provide a better environment for wildlife and requires less maintenance."

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The flood alleviation scheme is run by several 'partners' including Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council, as well as government bodies like the Environment Agency.

This week, the scheme's workers will be testing out flood defences in Oxford to prepare for the winter.

This will include putting up temporary flood barriers in South Hinksey and Bullstake Close and pumps to remove flood water along Botley Road.

19/08/20: This story has been updated to correct the date of the bridge replacement, which does not yet have a set date