The transformation of Frideswide Square is well underway and traffic is flowing through the temporary road layout.

Much of the original square has now been removed and work continues to create an attractive, welcoming public space and improve this major traffic junction.

The shops and businesses in and around the square are still open as usual during the work and can be reached via a number of crossings, including the footbridge on Botley Road.

How we’re getting on with the work

As part of Phase 1, the main work is currently focussed inside the fenced off area outside the Said Business School. All the old traffic signals have been removed and the site has been cleared. Work continues to divert and relocate service utilities around the site. The existing trees have been removed and will be replaced later during the scheme.

Overnight work

This Wednesday evening, 18 March, we will be working at the junction of Becket Street / Botley Road / access to the Station to install a new temporary island to aid a safer crossing from the station to the shops side. This involves some surfacing and white lining work.

The work will start at 7.30pm, with any noisy work being completed by 11pm. Some non-noisy work may still take place after 11pm. We will also be undertaking some additional white lining across the site to refresh the existing markings and add some new lining to make it safer and clearer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Useful information

Temporary pedestrian crossings are now in use and extra care should be taken when crossing the busy roads around the square. Please remember that the footbridge at the railway station provides a very easy and safe route for crossing from one side of the square to the other.

A diversion route has been provided for cyclists via Becket Street, Osney Lane and St Thomas Street.

Local businesses around the square remain open and are keen to welcome new and old customers during the work.

The bus stops within the site are now closed and have been relocated into Park End Street. The Oxford Bus and Stagecoach websites both include useful and up to date information on their bus services and where they are relocated to.

For further details and information about this scheme, please visit the Oxford Station and Frideswide Square pages.

For live travel information and our journey planner, visit Oxfordshire Travel Choices