Traffic diversions in Frideswide Square in Oxford have caused frustration to drivers as Network Rail continues its £161m scheme to upgrade the city's rail station.

The work at the rail bridge has seen Botley Road closed for over a year by the rail authority causing disruption to the surrounding road networks.

For months, work has taken to replace the rail bridge and re-routing pipes and utility cables to prepare for a new western entrance to the station.

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Pedestrians have to use a narrow walkway to get past the ongoing works at the bridge.

Now, a water main will be laid in Frideswide Square, which requires traffic to be diverted, causing delays as it began on Monday (July 1).

(Image: Robert Knight)

The work, which was due to start on Monday, June 24, has been described by drivers as a “massive inconvenience”.

Robert Knight said: “Delays to hundreds of people in Oxford yesterday and what have they done at Frideswide Square? Nothing.

“They've literally blocked off half the road for no reason whatsoever."

Taking to social media, Kamboh Nasir wrote: “Heck of the day I had driving around station.

“Only roads were closed and no work was started. I hope it’s finished in a week.”

Matt Dizer said: “At least they could put a notice sometime before they started. “There’s no information about when they would open it again. It’s a joke.”

Andy Beal added: “Disgusting, there are no signs telling you about this until you get to Frideswide Square”

Frances Sweeney wrote: “Traffic is horrendous again. Just walked in car fumes for half an hour.”

She added: “Why are all these road works being done at one time?”

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(Image: Robert Knight)

A diversion is required as contractors need to use the southern (westbound) lane of Frideswide Square as an area for assembling and welding the 100m long pipe.

About 1m wide, it then needs to be inserted into the concrete sleeve which has been installed under the road below the rail bridge.

There will be no access to Frideswide Square for vehicles from the Hollybush Row/Park End Street roundabout.

Instead, access to Frideswide Square and the station will be via Park End Street, Worcester Street and along Hythe Bridge Street. 

There will only be a single lane open through Frideswide Square which will be managed by temporary traffic lights.

Ahead of the diversion, the cycle lane between Worcester Street/George Street and Hythe Bridge Street will be closed.

The Frideswide Squar works are scheduled to finish on June 12.

While, the Botley Road is scheduled to reopen at the rail bridge on October 24, in advance of six new camera-enforced traffic filters being launched across the city.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The westbound lane of Frideswide Square was closed yesterday (Monday, July 1) to allow us to prepare for installing a new water main under the rail bridge, which involves assembling and welding a 100m long, 1m wide pipe which then needs to be inserted into the ground below the road. 

“We understand the frustrations of residents and road users who experienced disruption yesterday.

"We’re working with Oxfordshire County Council to review the situation so that we can make the necessary changes to improve the experience for those using the road. 

“We anticipate this stage of the work will be completed this week and apologise for the disruption during this time.

"While this work is taking place, there will be no access into Frideswide Square for vehicles from the Hollybush Row/Park End Street roundabout.

"Instead, access to Frideswide Square and station will be via Park End Street, Worcester Street and along Hythe Bridge Street.”