WORK to overhaul two of Oxford’s busiest junctions will begin in just over two weeks.

Oxfordshire County Council said it would begin the 16-month scheme at Wolvercote and Cutteslowe roundabouts on July 21.

It is expected to cost up to £10m and is being done to help meet an expected rise in demand from new developments in Oxford and surrounding areas.

The work will see traffic lights installed at both roundabouts and the widening of approaches of the A40 from the east and west and of the A44.

There will also be new crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and reductions to speed limits on approaches.

As reported in the Oxford Mail, senior figures at the county council have warned that the work may cause severe delays to commuters at peak times.

The local authority estimates the two roundabouts are used by some 100,000 vehicles a day.

County council cabinet member for environment David Nimmo Smith urged commuters to use public transport.

He added: “Work on these two major junctions is needed now if we are to avoid large scale congestion becoming a permanent feature of life in the future.

“The message now is that people should look closely at how they travel.

“Driving is not the only option, and anyone who does drive through the area must expect delays.”

The work was being done at both roundabouts at the same time, he added, to avoid two separate schemes that could last “more than two years” in total.