Oxford: Council refuses to open LTN to divert traffic

Long tailbacks formed in Headington on Monday (October 2) at around 5pm after Thames Water closed Hollow Way to carry out repair works on a pipe.

Councillors have called on the authorities' highways chief Andrew Gant to temporarily remove an LTN bollard on Crescent Road to allow for a diversion.

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But the council said opening the road would only lead to further congestion.

It is feared that the traffic issues will continue until Hollow Way is reopened on Friday.

Hollow Way has been closed while Thames Water carries out repair works on a pipe (Image: Tom Seaward)

Hollow Way has been closed while Thames Water carries out repair works on a pipe (Image: Tom Seaward)

Cllr Linda Smith of Oxford City Council said she had asked twice to open Crescent Road.

She said: “A fortnight ago when works started on Hollow Way, I asked Andrew Gant to re-open Crescent Road. He said he would discuss the practicalities with his officers.

“Yesterday, Hollow Way was completely shut - so I've asked again.  We need an OFSTED for highways departments.”

Tory councillor Cllr Liam Walker said it highlighted how fragile the road network is in Oxford (Image: n/a)

Tory Cllr Liam Walker, who is shadow cabinet member for highway management, added: “This closure has highlighted yet again how fragile our road network has become in Oxford.

“Rather than proactively plan for the works, residents have been left dealing with significant delays which could have easily been reduced by the temporary removal of a low traffic neighbourhood bollard on Crescent Road.

“I support calls from Labour Cllr Linda Smith who has been trying to get Cllr Gant to do this but as we see time and time again when it comes to LTNs he is not in listening mode.”

The LTN bollard on Crescent Road was temporarily removed in April when emergency gas works caused similar congestion (Image: Ed Halford)

During the works, there is a diversion route in place through The Slade, Eastern By-Pass and Garsington Road.

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The council said an assessment was made of how traffic flow would be affected if the Crescent Road LTN were to be opened.

A spokesperson said: “It would lead to significant congestion on Hollow Way and Crescent Road which is a very narrow road.”

Councillor Andrew Gant has faced calls to remove the LTN bollard on Crescent Road (Image: Ed Nix)

Cllr Gant, who is cabinet member for highway management, said: “I understand that the temporary closure of Hollow Way is frustrating, but appreciate that these are necessary works that Thames Water must carry out and all measures have been taken to try and ensure they are carried out with as little disruption as can be managed.

“Access to Hollow Way and surrounding roads is still possible for residents and deliveries.

“Ultimately, the main issue affecting our city’s roads is too much traffic and we are committed to delivering alternative options to help improve how we all travel around Oxford.”

Thames Water also apologised for the inconvenience. The repair work comes almost a year after water main burst near Heyford Hill and caused severe flooding and traffic issues.