A BROKEN sewer pipe is being fixed around rush hour periods to reduce traffic.

The leaky pipe is being fixed on Botley Road at the Ferry Hinksey Road junction, where temporary traffic lights have been put in place – however traffic was today still queuing past The Westgate Centre.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We’re sorry for any hold-ups our temporary traffic lights are causing.

“They’re needed so we can safely repair a broken sewer pipe, however, as we’re only working outside of the morning and evening rush periods we’ll be taking the lights down each afternoon and putting them back up again the next morning.

“We expect the job to take seven to ten days but will finish sooner if we possibly can.”

They added that the work was 'essential' to protect properties along the road from flooding.

Gas engineers also expected to close roads in Headington tomorrow, for what could be up to three weeks.

Bradley Barlow, spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN, said: “From, Tuesday August 14, we’ll be working in Staunton Road, Oxford to replace our old gas mains and services with new plastic pipe to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area.”

He added that despite roadwork frustration, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years.

He said: "In consultation with Oxfordshire County Council and to minimise disruption, we’ll be working to replace our gas mains under the council’s existing road closure in Staunton Road at its junction with Headley Way. We expect this phase to take approximately a week-and-a-half to complete."

The company will also be working in Headley Way at the junction with London road from August 28 for two weeks.