Rail Minister visits Oxford to view positive progress of Botley Road work
Lord Hendy will be in the city today
Last updated 13th Jun 2025
The Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, will visit Oxford today to see the progress being made on the major improvements to the city’s railway station and Botley Road as part of the Oxford Station Enhancements Project, after the reset of the project in January.
Following delays owing to the discovery of a large Victorian arch under Botley Road and difficulties moving water pipes, Network Rail launched a new plan to keep the project moving forward earlier this year. Now, work is progressing well, and Botley Road is on course to reopen in August 2026. The scheme is also on track to deliver a new, wider walkway and cycleway by the end of August 2025, making it easier and safer to travel in and out of the city.
Since the reset, the project has hit key milestones, including the early completion of a new clean water pipe by Thames Water. The next big step is to divert the sewer system, which is on track to finish later this year.
Network Rail has been keeping the community informed through monthly public events and business workshops, offering updates and support. New banners, posters, and digital screens have also been put up around the station and Botley Road to keep everyone updated and remind people that local businesses are open as usual. The free Botley Flyer bus service now runs seven days a week, helping people get to the city centre, and extra security measures have been put in place to keep pedestrians safe.
Additional support includes new disabled drop-off bays, an audio guide map for easier navigation, and improved lighting and CCTV around the station.
Since January, Network Rail has taken significant steps to improve engagement and act on feedback from the community on how the disruption of the road closure can be lessened, via the dedicated email address [email protected]. Requests are reviewed weekly, with responses provided directly to those who submit them.
The vast majority of requests received have resulted in action, including:
· Enhanced lighting in the pedestrian tunnel
· Opening the Western entrance of Oxford station to passengers with reduced mobility
· Extending the Botley Flyer accessible transport service to seven days a week
Once complete, these upgrades will mean more trains, better accessibility, and safer, wider paths for everyone.
Network Rail’s Western Route Director, Marcus Jones, said:
“We know the delays to this project have been frustrating, and we’re sorry for the disruption they’ve caused. The good news is that the project is now firmly back on track, and we’re making strong progress. We’re committed to keeping the community informed as we deliver a safer, more accessible Oxford station for everyone.!