BUSINESSES are delighted at news that major roadworks on one of Oxford’s main arterial routes are running ahead of schedule.

Oxfordshire County Council is resurfacing Iffley Road between The Plain roundabout and Donnington Bridge, at a cost of £2.5m.

The work, which has seen pedestrian crossings and extended parking areas added to the road, began in May last year and is expected to finish by the end of June.

Work on the section between Percy Street and Howard Street began on Saturday.

As a result access from Iffley Road into Magdalen Road, Percy Street and Daubeny Road is now possible again but access to Charles Street, Fairacres Road and Howard Street is blocked during the next phase of the project.

Reg Taylor Cycles partner Gordon Scarrott, whose shop is in the newly-affected area, said: “It has got to be done. It was in a shocking state before.

“Where the road has been resurfaced over years, it was about six inches higher than the gutter. I cycle a lot and when the buses used to come past it was quite dangerous, because the gutter was a steep drop.

“The work will be an inconvenience, and the thing that concerns me is the deliveries, but we will work around it and they shouldn’t be long.

“We will be very pleased when it’s all done and open. It’s lovely and smooth where they have done it so far.”

Marry McHugh, owner of Browns Guest House, said: “Obviously it’s a job that needs to be done. The road was in a bad state before.

“I have my fingers crossed it will not affect us, but up to now it hasn’t, and by the time it’s done, the road should look very good.”

Acorn Guest House manager Elly Pattullo, whose business is on the stretch of road where work has just been completed, said: “It has been fine.

“Obviously there has been a little bit of disruption getting in and out, but the men doing the work have been as helpful as possible.

“Some mums have even told me about how helpful they have been helping them cross the road to school.”

She added: “The road looks a lot better now and the new surface has made a difference to the noise levels – it is quieter.”

County council spokesman Owen Morton said: “The Iffley Road project continues to run ahead of schedule and we are aiming to complete the remainder of the works towards Donnington Bridge junction by the end of June.

“Every effort is being made to keep disruption to a minimum and we are continuing to keep residents and businesses informed as the work progresses.

“We look forward to providing a much-improved Iffley Road for all who use it.”