THE level crossing in London Road, Bicester, closed yesterday for more than a month as part of new train station works.

The closure is between Launton Road roundabout and the Mallards Way roundabout to allow for the installation of signalling and highway improvements such as street signs and lighting.

It will be closed to vehicles until 5am Monday, September 14, and closed to pedestrians from 10pm Friday, September 11 til 11.59pm on Sunday, September 13.

Concerns were previously raised that the crossing could be closed for up to 45 minutes every hour – a prediction taken from proposed timetables – once all routes are running after the development is complete. Oxfordshire County Council is working with Chiltern Railways on a solution and has said it hopes to have options by October.

Bicester TAG co-chairman Richard Mallows said: “The month-long closure should act as an eye opener. It is shocking that Oxfordshire County Council has handled this issue so badly from the outset of the project. They have been promising for months to publish alternative solutions. Permanent loss of this crossing will socially and economically harm Bicester.”

The two-way diversion takes drivers along the A442 Wretchwick Way, Charbridge Lane and Launton Road.

During the pedestrian closure there will be a shuttle bus service from either side of the crossing to help those unable to complete their journey.

This comes ahead of the redeveloped train station – which Chiltern Railway proposes to call Bicester Village Station – opening on Monday, October 26.