More disruption as A415 closes (From Witney Gazette)

More disruption as A415 closes

2:13pm Thursday 2nd March 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

A SECTION of the A415 between Kingston Bagpuize and Newbridge is to be closed for repairs for a fortnight from Monday, March 6.

Local people have expressed concern about disruption caused by the closure of the road, which is used by commuters between Witney and Abingdon.

Brian Fell, from Oxfordshire County Council Highways, said the measure was unavoidable. He said: "Essential work needs to be done on the A415 from the Longworth turn to just south of Newbridge.

"The road itself is in a very bad condition, and it needs resurfacing. Part of that involves raising the gullies, and then bringing the surface of the road up to that level. The contractor has said they can't do the work safely without the road being closed.

"I'm fairly confident the work will be finished in a fortnight, if not before then." Mr Fell said HGVs would be advised to use the A34 and A4260 but no specific diversions were in place for car drivers.

Steve Tocsin, of Standlake, said: "I work in Abingdon, so it's a very long diversion.

"The road itself is in a very bad condition, and it needs resurfacing."

Brian Fell, Oxfordshire County Council Highways

"I wonder how much thought had gone into this?

"They've put two signs up and not consulted anyone about it.

"I don't know why they can't keep it open at peak hours as they did when they were installing new traffic lights by the Rose Revived.

"Are they trying to bring the county to a standstill?"

Mr Fell said the highways department had asked the contractors if they could open the road at peak times, but had been told the nature of the work made it impossible.

Last year, a section of the A415 between Standlake and Bright- Hampton was closed for five months, while Thames Water replaced broken sewer pipes. Several local businesses complained the closure had badly affected trade, with one car saleswoman forced to close.