A major road in Oxford is set to reopen after a closure on the A34 frustrated drivers.

The A34, which is maintained by National Highways, was shut from 9pm on Friday night (September 27) until 6am on Monday morning (September 30).

This was on the northbound section from Hinksey Hill until Peartree with the reason for the major closure being works. 

The closure left drivers frustrated at the traffic planning across Oxford and how Weirs Lane, the road which encompasses Donnington Bridge, had been left shut during this time.

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Donnington Bridge.Donnington Bridge. (Image: Google Street View)

Having been closed by SGN for gas works since Tuesday, September 17, some thought that Oxfordshire County Council should have reopened to ease traffic.

An anonymous city motorist previously said: “It’s the worst I have ever seen and there has been a complete lack of planning.

“It could easily have been eased by opening roads such as High Street and Donnington Bridge and heads should roll.

"Also, imagine what is going to happen should there be a problem on the A34 after they stick the bus gates in.

“This highlights what a loony half-baked policy it all is."

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The turn-off for Donnington Bridge.The turn-off for Donnington Bridge. (Image: Newsquest)

SGN has now confirmed that the bridge will be reopened this weekend and explained why the work took longer than expected.

Bradley Barlow, spokesperson for SGN said: “Due to unforeseen engineering difficulties and poor weather conditions, our work on Weirs Lane was delayed.

“We have now completed our replacement work on Weirs Lane and reinstatement of the road has now begun.

“All being well, the road should reopen before this weekend and will reopen sooner if it is safe to do so.”

The A34 weekend closure was bemoaned by many drivers but National Highways have defended the works in a new statement issued to the Oxford Mail.

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A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Our job is to keep the country moving and we plan all our closures extremely carefully to minimise disruption, working at weekends or overnight when traffic is at lightest.

“We work hard to ensure that both residents, and motorists travelling through the area, and those who might be in the visiting from further afield, are made aware of any road closures in advance of our essential road maintenance work.

“We also work closely with local councils to agree the best diversion routes.

“Unfortunately maintaining and improving the road network will always involve some short-term inconvenience for long-term benefits in terms of safer and smoother roads.

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“We appreciate people's patience as we carry out our work and would always encourage road users to check their journeys before they travel.”

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