The overrunning of gas works on the A34 has been slammed as "unacceptable" and "frustrating" as motorists are hit with major delays.
The work by SGN on the A34 near Oxford shut the southbound carriageway over the weekend between the Peartree Interchange and the Hinksey Hill interchange.
One lane had been due to reopen at 5am this morning, with the second shut for the rest of the week for continued gas works.
READ MORE: Major A34 delays as key weekend works overrun
However, the road remains closed as the planned works have overrun causing lengthy delays to motorists this morning.
MP Layla Moran said on social media: "Road users in Oxfordshire faced yet more unacceptable delays this morning due to SGN's works over-running.
"I absolutely share their anger and frustration. I have written to SGN to ask what is being done to re-open the A34 as soon as possible."
Southern Gas Networks missed the re-opening time of 5am for the A34 southbound today. Although the A34 is not the county council’s road we do manage the rest of the network. We will be strongly taking this up with both SGN & National Highways on behalf of the travelling public pic.twitter.com/PHomF2qgCI
— Oxfordshire County Council (@OxfordshireCC) November 6, 2023
Oxford’s highways chief, Councillor Andrew Gant said: “It is very frustrating that SGN have missed the agreed re-opening time of 5am for the A34 southbound.
"This means that the Monday morning rush hour is heavily impacted.
"Although the A34 is not the county council’s road we do manage the rest of the network around Oxford other than the M40.
"This failure to stick to a plan that would have seen the road cleared in time for the busy commute will have knock-on effects for everyone.
"It is something we will be strongly taking up with both SGN and National Highways on behalf of the travelling public.”
Speaking to the BBC, Chloe Boyce, from SGN, said: "Part of the pipe that we were replacing took a bit longer than we expected.
"The engineering work is all done now but we have to leave the road as it is so we can let the concrete set.
"We are planning to open that lane this evening. We are really sorry for the disruption."
The Oxford Mail has approached SGN and is waiting for a response.
National Highways has advised drivers to allow extra journey time, re-route or even delay their journey.
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