Angry motorists say they were caught out when barriers went up, closing Didcot's Cow Lane Bridge underpass without proper warning.

Most of the 'Road Closed' and diversion signs appeared only hours beforehand. Many people living in Ladygrove, north of the town -- many of whom use the underpass to get to and from schools, the town centre and the station -- did not know until after the closure on Monday afternoon.

The nine-month closure is necessary while a £5.3m road is built between the junction of Cow Lane-Station Road, and Broadway-Jubilee Way. However, the underpass will stay open for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Brickfield subway linking Ladygrove and the town centre from lower Broadway for pedestrians and cyclists was closed yesterday for four weeks while contractors construct new levels along part of the route of the new road.

The closure of the Cow Lane underpass will mean diversions of up to two miles for drivers getting to and from Ladygrove via Abingdon Road or the A4130 northern perimeter road at Southmead Industrial Park.

County council senior engineer Mike Collins said the road closure and diversion signs were the responsibility of the road contractors and some had not been delivered until Monday.

For queries about the road workscall site supervisor ,Steve Washington, on 07736 382986. For general complaints Mr Collins can be contacted on 01865 815877.