Work to replace ageing gas mains around the Albert Park in Abingdon began last week and will continue for a couple more weeks (correction see comments).

On Sunday the gate leading to the park area from Faringdon Road was open to help make up for the from Victoria Road being closed.

The potted, and cracked surface of the Vineyard has been replaced by a brand new road surface. The ‘sensual’ oil based smell of fresh tarmacadam lingered on the morning after.

Crisp white lines have replaced the faded junctions that were there a week ago.

The road painters had added some flourishes that were not there before.

Last night, soon after the work began, on the final night of the 5 night closure, a lot of vehicles still sped down the Oxford Road and did a U turn at the final Road Closed sign. The diversion was by Bath Street and up Stratton Way to join Stert Street.

This is my entry to the 1st of October City Daily Photo Theme Day on the word ‘Sensual’. More appropriate entries than the smell of fresh tar can be viewed here.

Thanks to Steve for this ..,

Next time we complain about traffic jams in Abingdon we ought to spare a thought for Oxford City Centre now that Queen Street is virtually bus free. Many of the buses have been re-routed to make way for the new – soon to open – Westgate Shopping Centre

This was the scene in St Aldates at 3.30pm today.

Steve counted 16 buses including a couple heading down the Abingdon Road to Abingdon – joined by all these other buses going to other places.

The situation has probably not been helped by repairs being carried out to the Folly Bridge. Work there is due to be completed at about the time the Westgate Shopping Centre reopens in another months time. So we will see then how the bus situation works out then.