Bicester traffic campaigners have warned of further disruptions as London Road is the subject of more roadworks.

The busy through route into the town centre is now undergoing “essential” gas works for an estimated three weeks and follows the recent two-month closure of the level crossing.

The SGN gas works have a temporary two-way traffic light system in London Road and appear to be digging up the freshly-laid surface from the recent roadworks.

Nearby resident in Victoria Road Ian Lapper said: “They have done Launton Road and are now heading into London Road. It is less than a month since London Road was resurfaced and now they ruin it by digging it up again.

They have gone about 100m into London Road, it just seems a waste of money. You have councils cutting back and it is a waste. Why not do it at the same time as the station works and resurface once.”

Oxfordshire County Council said that the London Road works could not be completed at the same time as Network Rail said it would not be safe.

Council spokesman Paul Smith added: “Having London Road and Launton Road closed at the same time would have created huge traffic problems in Bicester. SGN did co-ordinate with Network Rail to get some gas-related work completed close to the level crossing while that closure was in place.”

The two-month closure of London Road level crossing – for Network Rail upgrade works – shut off the main route for many into town and was dubbed the ‘Berlin Wall’ of Bicester by some residents.

As soon as it reopened, nearby Launton Road had a section closed off and two-way traffic lights installed further up the road for gasworks. This is expected to finish next week. SGN has begun works in London Road and will work its way along for three weeks of work between the level crossing and Launton Road.

Network Rail confirmed areas of London Road which SGN are working – to replace old gas mains – were resurfaced on the pavements and road.

SGN spokeswoman Hannah Brett said: “We have had to amend our intended route through the junction between these two streets – out close to the centre line of Launton Road, rather than tight to the kerb. We planned our project in close consultation with Oxfordshire County Council.”

BicesterTAG co-chairman Sallie Wright said: “People have had so much to put up with and this is just another thing. The fact they are going to dig up London Road again is ridiculous.”