WORK on repairing the A420 is set to begin next week before the road is closed fully for seven weeks.

Oxfordshire County Council is spending £3.5m on resurfacing the road between the Watchfield Roundabout and the Lower Bourton junction.

This means that this section of the A420 will have to close from Wednesday, July 23. Before then workmen will be carrying out preparatory work from next Monday.

This means part of the road will be affected by traffic restrictions during off-peak times.

County councillor David Nimmo Smith, cabinet member for transport, said: “This section of the A420 is failing rapidly and needs to be reconstructed.

“It is a big job, but one that needs to be done. However, I am sure that the short-term pain will be worth the long-term gain as the road should not need further repairs for many years.”

During the closure heavy goods vehicles have been told to use the M4 and the A34 while traffic between Oxford and Swindon is to use the A417 East, A4185 South, A34 and M4. Drivers going from Swindon to Oxford should use the M4 and the A34.

Oxford-bound traffic will be directed on to Faringdon Road with a 30mph speed limit, while Swindon-bound traffic will be diverted via Majors Road and Longcot Road with a 40mph speed limit.

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