Major flooding hits key Oxford road
Schools shut, transport delayed, flood barriers installed on Abingdon Road, as the Thames and Cherwell rivers burst their banks.
Abingdon Road has been reopened, after heavy flooding shut the key road into Oxford for most of the day, which has caused extensive disruption to traffic and delays to public transport.
In the wake of Storm Bert, rising flood waters have caused disruption for homes, roads and railroads.
The Environment Agency has set up flood protection barriers around Oxford to prevent further water damage and rising water levels, but the impact on everyday life is evident. Schools in parts of the city have closed, including part of Cherwell School, where only a limited number of students could attend lessons.
Abingdon Road has reopened but Oxford City Council advises, though traffic is moving slowly, and drivers are advised to seek alternative routes. Barriers remain in place as workers continue to address the situation, with the High Street bus gate still open.
So far, many people here have expressed anger against drivers for breaking down the roadblocks.
One local resident, Tony Brett, expressed frustration, saying, "Why isn't Thames Valley Police at the bottom of Abingdon Road arresting entitled, dangerous, and selfish drivers who are ignoring the road closure, putting life and property at risk?"
The deputy leader of Oxford City Council Anna Railton, said the fact some road users had ignored warnings and drove through flood water on Abingdon Road was "super disappointing".
“One of the things we learned from [previous flooding in] January was the closure of Abingdon Road had to be managed way better. So it’s frustrating to see that is not the case again.
“I’m pretty sad that so many people are driving through what is clearly a police road closure in both directions.”
Some issues related to flooding affected many citizens, including Wi-Fi connectivity disturbances, power supply breakdowns, and inability to use crucial amenities.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid all unnecessary travel and to respect all road closures for safety during the ongoing flood response efforts.
In addition to the closure of Abingdon Road, flood warnings remain in effect across Oxfordshire, with flooding expected in several areas. Key locations include:
River Cherwell in Oxford and Lower Heyford
River Thames at New Botley, South Hinksey, and Abingdon
River Ray at Islip and Otmoor Basin
River Ock in Abingdon
River Windrush at Witney
Authorities are closely monitoring water levels, though no additional warnings are expected for tomorrow.