A COUNCIL has issued a reminder that a major road remains closed 24/7 until the end of October.

Banbury Road in Bicester remains closed as part of the Banbury Road roundabout improvements project, Oxfordshire County Council has warned.

A statement posted on Friday (August 30) on Twitter/X by Oxon Travel read: "Banbury Road B4100 in Bicester remains closed 24/7 from the roundabout to Lodge Close until the end of October.

"Narrow lanes and traffic lights are managing traffic on the northern half of the road."

During this time, traffic towards Bicester is being diverted using the A4095 ring road, with pedestrians and cyclists diverted along the Banbury Road.

READ MORE: Investigation launched into water contamination in Carterton

Buses are being diverted via Buckingham Road, with two temporary bus stops put in place for the 500 bus route.

Banbury Road roundabout is a key junction along the Bicester ring road and the County Council said this was 'identified as a site for improvement' in its Local Transport Plan.

READ MORE: Driver FINED after being caught speeding over 60mph on motorway

Phase one and two of the major project have been completed, with phase three now underway. 

Phase three involves the closure of the southern side of Banbury Road, from the roundabout to Lodge Close, 24 hours, seven days a week.

This is expected to be completed by October 28, with the road reopening on October 29.

During this closure there will be work underway to create a new island on Banbury Road south and the installation of a new central island adjacent to the Fringford Road and on the roundabout east and west approaches.

(Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

The council will also be completing the second half of the toucan crossing on the A4095, constructing new drainage and footways and surfacing the Banbury Road south up to the roundabout approach splitter island.

Phase four is set to begin on October 29 until January 31, with phase five set to start on February 3 and expected to finish on February 18, 2025. 

READ MORE: Bus service warning ahead of Cowley Road Carnival in Oxford

The £10 million project has been met with controversy in the past from Bicester residents.

Speaking on the project previously, Councillor Judy Roberts, cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, said: "Bicester is expanding rapidly and the Banbury Road roundabout needs redeveloping to safely manage the levels of movement expected when new housing and jobs arrive in the town.

READ MORE: Trial set for man accused of paying for sexual services from teen girl

"It is important that this new junction is delivered before more housing is built.

"The junction will increase capacity, while better regulating traffic by using signals and a lower speed limit.

"As a council, we are committed to making it easier for people to walk and cycle more if they can, and these improvements will also provide better pavements and cycle paths and safer crossings."