Residents and road users eager to see the re-opening of a junction leading to the Growth Hub and University of Gloucestershire Business School have until May to wait.

We will leave it for those concerned and affected to argue whether this marks an extension to a much-publicised original 'opening date' of March 13.

Apparently, this was never a date for the full-opening of the junction which leads of the Cheltenham Road into Oxstalls Lane at Longlevens.

But when you consider access has been hindered or impossible since August last year into what is also a residential area you can probably get a feel for frustrations both at the university and locally.

When work first began, scheduled as it was during the quieter summer period, it looked like the work to widen the junction required after the university won planning to expand, would be swift.

Indeed, it was probably hoped by those at the seat of learning, also home to the headquarters of GFirst LEP, it would all come to pass before the impressive business school and campus opened in September.

It was not to be - much to the university's chagrin.

A statement in July last year from the highways contractor Willmott Dixon said: "The new junction layout will significantly improve traffic flow, while also protecting provision for pedestrians.

"To minimise impact on the already busy Cheltenham Road and be the least disruptive to local residents, Oxstalls Lane will be closed to traffic from Cheltenham Road until 13 March 2019. Cheltenham Road will remain fully open during this time."

This is the latest update confirming the 'new' (argue among yourselves) date.

"The target date for the completion of the vital highway improvements at Oxstalls Lane Junction has always been agreed and programmed for May 2019. This was as per the original agreement with the University of Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire highways.

"The work involves complex service diversions under the junction that need to be moved sequentially in order to avoid any service interruptions for local residents. At this time, there is significant underground work taking place.

"Oxstalls Lane was planned to reopen in March, however in order to avoid the need to install three-way lights on the busy Cheltenham Road, it was decided the closure would be extended until May. This was in order to keep disruption to a minimum.

"As the university's contractor, Willmott Dixon is committed to carrying out the improvement works in the most effective, safe and least disruptive manner to residents and other road users in the area, in line with the University of Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire Highway's agreement."

In the meantime, diversions will remain place for those wishing to get to the Oxstalls campus - or simply just get home.

Read more: Eight-month road closure for busy Gloucester junction