Drivers are being urged to take care following alterations to traffic patterns at a significant A34 junction close to Abingdon.
Oxfordshire County Council is partnering with building companies to construct a fresh £36m junction at Lodge Hill, with the project scheduled to finish by December.
The existing junction currently offers northbound entry and exit ramps only, but the upgrade will incorporate southbound ramps while also improving facilities for bike riders and walkers in the vicinity.
The introduction of southbound ramps will reduce traffic build-up in the town centre because certain drivers will no longer require to travel through it to access the A34 heading south at the Marcham junction.
Work at the location has proceeded without issues so far, although road users are being warned that some inconvenience is expected over the coming weeks.
A council representative explained that closures of the current Lodge Hill connections to the A34 will be required to allow the realignment and linking of new roundabouts to the existing ramps.
These are projected to impact the Lodge Hill northbound entry ramp in early June for approximately four to six weeks, and the Lodge Hill southbound exit ramp in early July for around four to six weeks.
Additional information and suitable alternative routes will be shared as the works draw near.
Oxfordshire North county councillor Nathan Ley visited the junction to assess the newest traffic arrangements.
He posted on Facebook that heading north on Lodge Hill, changes to traffic management are now in effect.
From Wednesday April 15, when travelling up Lodge Hill departing Abingdon, the situation has changed.
Those wanting to join the A34 northbound or proceed straight ahead should now stay in the left lane and use the new roundabout.
Staying in the middle lane will result in encountering oncoming vehicles.
The council representative went on to say that drivers should note a fresh traffic management arrangement is now active, employing the finished portion of the northern roundabout.
Traffic travelling northbound on the A4183 must use the left lane to reach the new roundabout section. Vehicles turning right onto the A34 continue to have priority over those coming from the south.
Ground preparation has begun at the Harwell layby, with the site being set up to create a temporary satellite construction base.
Three-way temporary traffic lights are currently operating on the Harwell link road until the month concludes.
The representative continued that forthcoming work encompasses earthworks, drainage systems and embankment building for the new ramps, alongside ongoing construction of the northern and southern roundabouts.
The junction scheme near Abingdon is primarily funded through a £17m-plus grant from Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land fund, with additional contributions from developer payments and the Housing Growth Deal.
It was revealed last July that the project’s budget had grown to £36.09m because of escalating expenses.
Local members had pushed for several years to obtain funding for the new junction, which will alleviate traffic build-up in the town centre.