TRAFFIC is slow around Oxford because of roadworks expected to last until Friday. 

Thames Water has shut part of Hythe Bridge Street to carry out work between 8am and 5pm. 

It said it must fix a manhole chamber. 

Traffic along Botley Road is slower than normal, with some traffic trailing back to the A420.

Diversions are in place around Frideswide Square and Park End Street.

Disruption will continue into next week. Gasworks will be completed in Worcester Street from Monday, July 8 until Sunday, July 14. That work will be completed by SGN.

That will close part of Worcester Street from George Street Mews to New Road, close to the Worcester Street car park. Diversions will be in place around Park End Street, into Frideswide Square and into Hythe Bridge Street.

A Thames Water spokesman said: “We’re sorry to anyone affected by the closure of Hythe Bridge Street.

“This is due to important repair work to a manhole chamber, which we discovered was damaged while replacing the cover. If it’s not repaired, it could lead to structural problems and cause the road to becoming unstable."

He added: “As well as repairing the manhole, we’ll be taking the opportunity to replace other covers elsewhere on the road to reduce the need for future work.”