Work is now well advanced to create an attractive, welcoming public space and improve this major gate way into Oxford.

All traces of the original layout to the north side of the square have now been removed and traffic is flowing well through the temporary road layout.

The shops, restaurants 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

Phase 1 is focussed inside the fenced off area outside the Saïd Business School. The site is currently being cleared to accommodate new drainage and new pits for the planters which are also being installed to contain new trees. As part of this work the utilities that run through the area are being diverted.

The laying of new Yorkstone slabs and basalt kerbs has started to define the real transformation of the new layout of the square.

With all the traffic signals removed, motorists are reporting that the temporary layout is working well. However, all drivers are reminded that the existing 20mph speed limit remains in place and are urged to take extra care when travelling through the square and pay extra attention to cyclists and pedestrians crossing the roads.

Temporary lighting has been now been installed until the new permanent lighting columns are erected.

Following discussions with Thames Valley Police and our road safety officers, extra warning signs have been put up to make the temporary pedestrian crossings consistent and more visible to drivers. The road has also been narrowed with supplementary traffic management barriers and signs at these locations to further help regulate vehicle speeds on the entries to the square, and to assist pedestrians to cross.

The footbridge at the railway station still provides the easiest route for crossing from the northern side of the square to the south.

Useful information for cyclists

A dedicated quiet route for cyclists is signed via Becket Street, Osney Lane and St Thomas Street.

The bus stops formerly within the site remain closed and have been relocated into Park End Street. The Oxford Bus and Stagecoach companies’ 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 Frideswide Square pages.

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