Commuters and traders are facing lengthy delays after a fresh set of road works began on a major city route. 

A set of three-way traffic lights has been set up on Botley Road near St Frideswides Church due to water main works.

Oxford Mail:

Thames Water signs stating 'improvements were being made' can be seen near to the road works. 

 

READ MORE: Thames Water apologise for Botley Road roadworks causing Oxford delays

Traffic has been queuing back to the Botley Interchange on the A34 causing delays of around 40 minutes to reach Oxford city centre.

Drivers going in the other direction out of Oxford are also facing tailbacks.

Oxford Mail:

Botley Road is due to be closed in April temporarily while Oxford Railway station is upgraded. 

The fresh set of temporary traffic lights come following similar disruption in mid-February when Thames Water were carrying out improvements to pipes.  

But the temporary traffic lights in February were unexpectedly removed.

The temporary lights were expected to be in place for a week but were taken away the day after. 

Thames Water were contacted for comment with regard to the works on Botley Road. 

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "We responded to a report of no water, on Botley Road in Oxford on Thursday 16 March.

"Our teams are currently on site making the necessary repairs to restore water to the customer and we expect to complete the repair early next week.

"We have provided the customer with bottled water and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"Three way traffic lights will remain in place until the repair is carried out. We are sorry to residents and motorists for any disruption during this time.

“At present, we are not aware of a wider customer impact, but we’d encourage local residents to reach out to us if they are experiencing low pressure or no water.

"They can contact us via our website www.thameswater.co.uk or by calling 0800 316 9800."