Botley Road Oxford work set to continue another 18 months
Network Rail have given an update
Network Rail has revealed its plans to complete the redevelopment of Oxford Station, following a series of delays which has seen Botley Road closed to through traffic for nearly 22 months.
The £161 million project, which began in April 2023, was due to be completed in October 2024 – including the replacement of the Botley Road railway bridge.
However, Network Rail was unable to keep to this schedule due to the discovery of an inverted brick arch under the surface. It also failed to reopen Botley Road between October 2023 and March 2024, as previously planned, because of the same problem.
Although cyclists and walkers will see improved access from the summer, Botley Road will not now fully re-open until August 2026.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said:
“The residents and businesses in the Botley Road area have suffered nearly two years of disruption because of this project.
“They have been left in limbo since July 2024 when the most recent delays to the scheme were announced. Network Rail has told us it is confident its revised plan is deliverable and we hope that this time it can stick to its timetable.
“We remain supportive of the redevelopment of Oxford Station, which will bring improved capacity for passengers and freight, and is vital for the development of future rail projects. We also welcome the pledge to deliver improved pedestrian access this summer.
“Until the project is completed, we will continue to work with partners to minimise the impact of the extended Botley Road closure on the rest of the road network.”
Network Rail said that this summer, a much-improved and larger walkway will open, giving much more space for pedestrians and cyclists to get into and out of the city as the rest of the project is completed.
A new upgraded flood defence system will also be installed, which includes a new concrete layer, well below ground, to keep out rising ground water and a new pumping system with huge retention tanks to deal with surface water.
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, visited Oxford yesterday for Network Rail’s announcement:
“The continuing works surrounding Botley Road are frustrating, and the delays are unacceptable, which is why I wanted to hear firsthand from all those affected.
“I tasked Network Rail with producing a robust plan for its completion, which included additional measures to minimise and mitigate disruption as much as possible while still allowing this work to progress.
“I’m pleased they have acted and I can assure residents and businesses that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”