Residents of Oxford are gearing up for significant changes to their daily commute as the Oxford Road is scheduled for maintenance, leading to closures next week. Starting from Sunday, October 27, motorists can expect the A4183 to be closed from Dunmore Road to Sugworth Lane, affecting both directions until Saturday, November 2. This closure is due to the urgent need for repairs on the bridge over the A34 at Lodge Hill, which has drawn the attention of the local community.
According to National Highways, the inconvenience is part of scheduled maintenance work aimed at ensuring long-term safety and reliability of the bridge. Project manager Nick Axford stated, "Every effort is being made to minimize disruption for road users and residents." The decision to perform the repairs during the half-term reflects careful planning; with traffic levels typically reduced during this holiday period, the aim is to complete the work rapidly.
During the closure, all through traffic on the Oxford Road will face diversions. While the A34 entry slip road will redirect traffic, the exit slip will continue serving vehicles traveling south toward Abingdon. This plan allows for some degree of traffic flow but will undoubtedly alter usual driving patterns for many commuters.
To assist those affected, buses servicing Oxford will maintain access during daylight hours, providing some respite for public transport users. At night, bus routes will be rerouted, reflecting the need for adjustments as traffic conditions change. To aid pedestrians and cyclists who wish to cross the bridge, the project team is introducing free 24/7 shuttle services—an innovative solution to keep local mobility uninterrupted.
Beyond the immediate repairs, residents are concerned about the right approach to traffic management on Morrell Avenue, where recent findings from professional traffic studies suggest speeding cars are turning the residential street nearly hazardous. These surveys revealed alarming statistics, indicating over 30,000 vehicles exceed the 20mph speed limit weekly, with some reaching speeds over 90mph. Resident association chair Aeron Buchanan voiced serious concerns, saying, "Morrell Avenue is currently dangerous," especially for schoolchildren and cyclists.
The local council has acknowledged the situation on Morrell Avenue and is offering feedback opportunities as part of their long-term strategic project to improve the East Oxford area. This move aims to address speed limits and traffic congestion comprehensively. The Oxford Independent Alliance council members are already laying the groundwork for active solutions such as Speedwatch groups to keep local roads safer, showing community-driven efforts to tackle these pressing issues.
Yet, residents remain frustrated with existing council plans, noting the removal of on-street parking due to the Quickways cycling initiative exacerbated traffic issues by eliminating natural barriers to speeding. Sal Naqvi, one resident, remarked on the increase of fast-moving vehicles, stating, "Some cars go 50, 60, 70, 80mph," illustrating the urgency of reinstated protective measures for the community.
The Oxfordshire County Council continues to monitor traffic speeds and expresses commitment to their Vision Zero project, aiming to eliminate road fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. Despite having no immediate plans to extend Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs) to Morrell Avenue, residents await potential solutions and adjustments to existing traffic management strategies.
With road closings and maintenance, along with mounting concerns about residential traffic speeds, locals are keeping their fingers crossed for improvements and safety measures. The community's enthusiasm for solutions indicates their hopes lie heavily with local government and planned projects to address these pressing transport issues.
These developments on Oxford Road and insights from Morrell Avenue reflect the community’s growing concerns over safety and efficient travel, pushing for necessary changes to support residents, families, and commuters alike. The week-long closures represent just part of the wider discussion about the need for proactive road safety measures within the urban Oxford area.
