Householders and motorists have been thanked for their patience as a new three month closure begins this week to covert a major roundabout. 

Work began on Monday as the Banbury Road to Bicester is partially closed from the roundabout to Lodge Close to change it into a signalised junction. 

Oxfordshire County Council is urging both residents and visitors to plan their journeys while travelling through Bicester, as the works reach the halfway point.

Judy Roberts, cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, thanked people for their patience and warned the busiest stage of the works is taking place.

Ms Roberts 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."

The project will see the southern side of Banbury Road, stretching from the roundabout to Lodge Close, closing for three months, with the road expected to reopen at the end of October.

The closure, which will be in effect for 24 hours a day, seven days a week will feature narrow lanes on the northern side of the road to handle traffic.

It has been planned in the school summer holidays when fewer vehicles are expected on roads, but, journeys may still take longer.

Confirmed design for constructionConfirmed design for construction (Image: Oxfordshire County Council) During the closure, traffic towards Bicester will be redirected both ways using the ring road.

Drivers should follow all diversion signs. The Fringford Road will be reopened.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted along Southwold Lane and the Banbury Road.

Residents will be able to access their properties during the closure by using the vehicle and footpath diversions.

Buses will be diverted using the Buckingham Road, with two new temporary bus stops provided for the 500 bus route.

Work will be carried out to create a new island on Banbury Road south, install a new central island next to the Fringford Road and at the roundabout east and west approaches.

The work will also include the construction of new drainage and footways, completing the second half of the toucan crossing on A4095, and surfacing the Banbury Road up to the roundabout approach splitter island.

The aim of the new junction is to increase vehicle capacity safely with the aid of traffic signals.

It will also provide 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.

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