Work has begun to improve road safety and bus journey times on a major city route.

Oxfordshire County Council aims to provide a number of changes on Woodstock Road in Oxford, including a zebra crossing near Bevington Road and an off-road cycle path between Frenchay Road and St Margaret’s Road.

Works on Field House Drive, St Margaret’s Road West and Bevington Road is expected to to take five to seven weeks to complete.

The council said the duration was indicative and might change due to weather conditions and other factors, such as utilities.

Residents and businesses are being warned, by letter, of works affecting them two weeks before they start, as well as being given details about traffic management and diversion routes.

The council said the works were “carefully phased” to minimise disruption.

A reversal in direction of the bus lane between Squitchey Lane and Wolvercote Roundabout will be implemented as a trial under an experimental traffic regulation order.

Work on the reversal, from southbound to northbound, is scheduled for 2 September for about six weeks.

The council said the measure was fully supported by local bus operators.

There will be a six-month consultation once the trial begins.

Councillor Judy Roberts, member for infrastructure and development strategy at the county council, said she was “pleased” to see the potential improvements progressing.

“Safer crossings, better cycleways and improved bus journey times are part of our commitment to give people genuine options to use sustainable ways of travelling on one of the major roads in the city,” she said.

The project is informed by the county council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.