Controversial road improvements near one of Britain’s busiest tourist attractions have sparked the fury of local residents who slammed the use of £10million on the project.
Oxfordshire County Council is converting the existing roundabout in Bicester into a signalised junction with traffic lights to improve congestion and encourage people to walk and cycle.
The A4095/B4100 Banbury Road improvements will start on February 7 with drivers in and around the town preparing for massive delays until the middle of February next year.
The scheme budget for the redevelopment project is £10.7million, with angry residents accusing the council of having “more money than sense”, adding that it was “burning a big hole in their pocket”.
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The Banbury Road roundabout in Bicester will be removed
GOOGLE MAPS
One of the aims of the project is to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians, although local residents have said the lack of footpaths and services for pedestrians means the redevelopment project is not warranted.
Residents living in Bicester have received warning letters from the council informing them that work was beginning and to prepare for longer waiting times.
Bill Cotton, director for environment and place at Oxfordshire County Council, said in the letter: "We will try to keep delays to a minimum.
"For some journeys you may prefer walking, cycling, using public transport or changing your journey during this time."
Despite this, furious residents have taken aim at the local authority for removing “the only roundabout in Bicester that actually works”.
Posting in the Bicester Community Chat Facebook group, one concerned resident said the road works and finished product would cause issues to the town and they will “avoid it like the plague”.
They added: “It’s safer when the traffic lights aren’t working! Bicester is going to shambles with all these unnecessary roadworks and ‘improvements’.”
Another stated: “£10million. How can you justify that? How many potholes could be repaired with £10million?”
The council's plans for the Banbury Road redevelopment
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
A third compared the project to Rodney House which saw drivers put at risk with “poor road markings” and “confusing signage”. They added: “Another foolish idea by something on the computer.”
Oxfordshire County Council has suggested that the timeline and detail of the work may change due to how complex the developments are and any cables or pipes that may be discovered.
The road changes could be crucial for motorists in the area with more than 6,000 new houses planned for the local area with traffic rates expected to rise.
Speaking to GB News, a spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: "Converting the Banbury Road roundabout into a signalised junction will improve traffic flow and encourage more walking and cycling in Bicester.
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The roundabout will be ditched in favour of a signalised junction with traffic lights
GOOGLE MAPS
“The junction changes will be needed to safely handle the number of vehicles travelling in the area, when new homes and jobs come to the town.
“The design has satisfied two road safety audits. The work is fully funded by central Government.”