Motorists in Oxford are facing a summer of gridlock after it was revealed that the city's St Clements Street will undergo 11 weeks of roadworks.

The work, due to begin on Monday, June 11, will stretch from The Plain to the Marston Road junction.

The news is the latest blow for motorists who have already been affected by roadworks on Botley Road and the closure of George Street for sewer repairs.

Dickie Dawes, who is standing as a Conservative for re-election on to the county council on June 7, admitted that Oxford traffic looked likely to be gridlocked for several weeks by the.

Mr Dawes, who is one of three councillors who takes it in turn to chair the council's highways committee, said most of the work would be done at a time when schools and Oxford colleges were on holiday and the roads would therefore be quieter.

He said: "It's got to be done, and they have tried to pick the best time."

Mr Dawes said the Swinford toll bridge, near Eynsham, was due to be closed at around the same time and would add to problems for drivers around Oxford. Work will be carried out in St Clements Street by Oxford County Council's highways consultants Babtie, beginning on June 11.

Footway repairs will last until July 23. Roadworks begin on July 23 and last until August 24. Essential drainage works will also be carried out.

There will be temporary traffic lights, temporary changes to lane markings and parking bays will be shut.

Bus stops between The Plain and Cherwell Street will be closed at various times while the work is being done.

Frank Watson, chairman of Broad Street Retailers' Association, said roadworks would be bad news for commerce in Oxford.

"Anything that holds up traffic affects trade," he said.