Bicester’s residents have become upset by the traffic chaos from recent roadworks which are set to last for over a year.

The work being done concerns the council’s plan to switch the Banbury Road roundabout to a signalised junction.

After starting on Wednesday, February 7, the works have caused major traffic delays for many Bicester locals.

With work to last for a total of 54 weeks, residents voiced their concerns on the Bicester Chat Facebook group.

Oxford Mail: The Banbury Road roundabout will switch to a signalised junction.The Banbury Road roundabout will switch to a signalised junction. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

“That roundabout has been my commute for the past 10 years, rarely have I encountered an issue, but now I go the other way past Langford,” said Jo Thompson.

“Why are these councillors wasting so much money on pointless things that don’t need doing.”  

Rhonda Hood added: “Total waste of money, created nothing but traffic chaos.

“I didn’t realise that the government had so much money to waste that they chuck millions at a roundabout that didn’t need to be altered.”

Oxford Mail: The Banbury Road roundabout in Bicester.The Banbury Road roundabout in Bicester. (Image: Google Maps)

The £10.7 million project is funded by the government with £5.5 million provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and a further £5.2 million secured from the Growth Deal.

Bicester Town Councillor Donna Ford said: “The decision on the current design was made by the Oxfordshire County Council cabinet in November 2021 against the preferred design expressed by residents during the consultation stage.

“Residents have felt they have been ignored by decision makers and I have been working to ensure that the residents can have face-to-face contact with OCC to ask questions and raise concerns through engagement events.

“The second engagement event is being held this Wednesday and I am hoping that OCC will finally listen to those who use this area regularly on how to make the roadworks as painless as possible.”

Oxford Mail: Cllr Donna Ford has had her say on the roundabout conversion.Cllr Donna Ford has had her say on the roundabout conversion. (Image: Donna Ford)

Oxfordshire County Council maintains that the decision is still the best decision for Bicester.

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson said: “Bicester is one of the fastest-growing towns in Oxfordshire, and the Banbury Road roundabout must be able to handle the number of vehicles travelling in the area when new homes and jobs come to the town.

“The redesigned junction will improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians by regulating traffic in a more structured way using signals and lower speed limits.

Oxford Mail: The road works are set to last in Bicester for 54 weeks.The road works are set to last in Bicester for 54 weeks. (Image: Public submission)

“The construction will progress in phases, with the work location moving around the arms of the junction and the traffic management changing to reflect that.

“If our teams finish a task early, they will minimise the working area size and remove temporary traffic lights.

“In response to feedback, we have implemented manned traffic lights and keep clear signs to help keep traffic moving.

“We will continue to monitor each stage of work and take measures to minimise any disturbance or inconvenience.”