Final stage of Cherwell Street bus and safety improvements to start
Work to complete improvements to safety and bus times on Cherwell Street in Banbury will enter the final stage in July with overnight surfacing work lasting for two weeks.
Oxfordshire County Council’s project, which focuses on the area between the George Street and Bridge Street junctions, will improve bus journey times and reliability through Banbury town centre when work finishes in late summer.
Safer and more direct crossings and better traffic signals will also be provided.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The Cherwell Street project is part of our commitment to supporting sustainable travel and ensuring bus services remain a reliable and attractive option for people travelling into and around Banbury.
“When work is finished, residents and commuters will benefit from improved bus journey times, as well as safer crossings and better traffic signals at these key junctions.
“Site teams are working hard to complete resurfacing in July and test the new traffic signals in August. I'd like to thank residents, businesses and travellers for their forbearance during this work to improve a very busy area of Banbury. I know that disruption is never welcome, but completing the resurfacing at night helps to reduce traffic delays during the day and allows us to work faster.
“If you are travelling through the area overnight, especially in a vehicle, please leave extra time to follow the diversion.”
Resurfacing work will be carried out between 8pm and 6am from 6 July to 17 July.
Road closures will be in place on sections of Bridge Street East, Bridge Street West, Concord Avenue, Cherwell Street, George Street, Britannia Road and Lower Cherwell Street.
Vehicles will need to follow a diversion route around the works area, but pedestrian access will be maintained, with clearly signed routes. Emergency services have been notified.
No work will take place on Saturday 11 July or Sunday 12 July, when the road will reopen with temporary traffic lights in operation.
All work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled. Once resurfacing is complete, the new traffic signals will be tested, while temporary traffic lights will continue to operate at the junctions until all work is finished.
Notes to editors
For more information about the improvements, visit the Oxfordshire County Council Cherwell Street bus improvements webpage where a diversion map is also available.
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