WORK on the second phase of the £5.8m revamp of Frideswide Square will start on Monday.

Oxfordshire County Council has said the improvements to the square are making “good progress” and added construction would begin on the southern side of the square next week.

This means Hythe Bridge Street will reopen tomorrow evening and the traffic lights at the junction of Worcester Street and George Street will revert back to normal.

Drivers will then use the new road lanes in the finished section of the new boulevard.

The first phase of work started in February 27 and the scheme is due to be completed in December.

County councillor David Nimmo Smith, cabinet member for transport, said: “We are now well into the work and you really can see everything taking shape.

“Nobody should be under any illusion. Frideswide Square is a major undertaking which involves a radical change to the road layout and the way the area will look.

“The contractors have been working hard to lay vast areas of Yorkstone slabs and granite plank paving with the installation of new street furniture commencing shortly which will give Oxford a gateway fit for a major city.

“The businesses on Frideswide Square will still be accessible while we work and very much open. Now is a good time to take a look at how the area is taking shape and see what is on offer in the shops, restaurants and other businesses.”

The council has warned that delays should be expected.