Delays as roadworks start early

Motorists will face an extra month of delays after a set of road improvements planned for 2005 were bought forward.

The work on Oxford's Abingdon Road will go ahead next month when current works in the area finish a week early.

Council transport bosses say disruption should be kept to a minimum, with road closures only in place overnight.

They say they are taking the opportunity to finish all works north of Abingdon Road this year, and will begin work south of the area next year.

Kevin Haines, the county council's highway management boss, said: "It looks like the latest phase of work will be completed well in time.

"We are ahead of schedule and have been in control of the traffic situation. We now want to get another chunk of the work out of the way in time for the winter.

"That will leave just one section to be completed next year and leave us ahead of the game with this major project."