A MAJOR route in and out of Oxford will be closed overnight for electricity works.

SSE will carry out emergency repairs in Botley Road tonight, which will require the closure of the road between the junctions of Beckett Street and Roger Dudman Way.

It is due to shut between 7.30pm tonight and 5.30am tomorrow, as well as during the same times on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Traffic on the road has been particularly slow so far this week due to other roadworks at the junction with Ferry Hinksey Road, carried out by SGN, which caused major disruption yesterday.

An SGN worker on site told the Oxford Mail this was partly due to the bus stop near Osney Bridge remaining in use.

READ MORE: Roadworks cause long delays on Botley Road

An Oxford Bus Company spokesman said: "We always work closely with contractors and highways at the County and City Council, but on this occasion, we had not been asked to take any bus stops out of use by SGN.

"Unfortunately, it would appear the agreed scope of works have not been adhered to and we will be following this up with all key parties to remove any confusion."

Traffic issues have eased today and delays are nowhere near as bad as the 40-minute delays commuters reported yesterday.

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: "The bus stop was suspended yesterday in response to the traffic problems.

"We have not allowed the stop to be reopened but suggested that it be relocated temporarily so that the lights and bus stop can both be accommodated.

"We have also been to see the traffic management in operation and have ensured that all measures are in place to enable it to work as efficiently as possible.

"Our traffic team has cameras on Botley Road and can provide feedback to the light operators if they see any problems develop.

"As with any roadworks, we would ask that road users are patient while the utility company carries out essential work."

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The work involves the replacement of old metal gas mains with new plastic pipe.

Bradley Barlow, a spokesman for SGN, said the company expects the works to take about seven weeks.

He added: "To ensure everyone’s safety, we've installed temporary three-way traffic lights at the junction with Ferry Hinksey Road.

"We’re manually controlling the lights from 7.30am until 7.30pm and we’re working closely with Oxfordshire County Council to monitor traffic approaching the lights, so they can be adjusted as required.

"We’ve also temporarily closed the bus lane between Osney Bridge and Botley Bridge to keep the traffic flowing."

He added: "We understand people can get frustrated by roadworks.

"However, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years.

"This means that when the work is complete, Oxford businesses and residents will continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come."