A £12m plan to redevelop a roundabout into a junction has reached the halfway mark.

Oxfordshire County Council has asked residents and visitors to plan their journeys through Bicester this summer as work to convert the Banbury Road roundabout into a signalised junction is ongoing.

The new junction has been designed to safely increase vehicle capacity, using traffic signals, while also providing better pavements and cycle paths and safer crossings.

When finished, it will help Bicester to manage the increase in traffic as new houses continue to be built in the area, said the council.

READ MORE: Bollywood star drops in to Bicester Indian restaurant

The southern side of Banbury Road, from the roundabout to Lodge Close, closed for three months on July 22 with narrow lanes in place on the northern half of the road to manage traffic.

The closure was planned in the school summer holidays when fewer vehicles are expected on local roads. However, journeys may take longer, the council said. 

Councillor Judy Roberts, cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, said: “I want to thank Bicester residents, commuters, and businesses for their patience as we reach the halfway point on this work. 

“We are now entering the busiest phase of this project and are asking people to plan their journeys in advance and follow diversion signs.

"The Banbury Road will reopen to all road users at the end of October.” 

Work began in February 2024 on the Fringford Road, with the removal of the existing roundabout island. Work on the B4100 northbound followed in the spring. 

When phase three finishes, work will take place on the A4095 westbound from October 2024 through to January 2025. 

Construction is scheduled to finish with road surfacing on the B4100 in January and electrical works in early February 2025. 

The work is fully funded by central government, with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government providing £5.5 million and £5.9m secured from the Growth Deal.