Network Rail has unveiled a revised timeline for the reopening of Botley Road in Oxford, which is part of a multi-million-pound initiative to upgrade Oxford station and enhance the city's transport links. The updated schedule plans for Botley Road to reopen in August 2026, with significant improvements for pedestrians and cyclists set to be introduced this summer.
This summer, a new and much larger walkway—nearly four times the size of the previous one—will be opened, providing ample space for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate in and out of the city as the project progresses. Additionally, an upgraded flood defence system will be installed, featuring a new concrete layer deep underground to prevent rising groundwater and a new pumping system with large retention tanks to manage surface water.
Network Rail has collaborated closely with its contractors and the Department for Transport to develop a new programme for the Oxford Station Enhancement scheme. This programme incorporates feedback from residents, businesses, and local and county councils, while ensuring the essential upgrades to the city's transport infrastructure are delivered.
At a public information event, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy, Network Rail’s Chief Executive Sir Andrew Haines, and senior Network Rail representatives joined Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran to present the new plans and provide updates to the residents and businesses impacted by this work.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said:
“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.”
The project will deliver the necessary utility diversions, along with enhancements to Botley Road, the replacement of Sheepwash bridge to accommodate more rail services and the new platform 5, with a continued drive to identify cost efficiencies.
Following feedback from residents and local businesses, Network Rail has put a range of measures in place to lessen the impact of the continued closure, including:
- The Botley Flyer bus service, which now operates five days a week, will continue to provide accessible free transport to the city centre 24/7 security marshals are in place to patrol the pedestrian tunnel near to the closure, offering support to those who need it and to keep those using the tunnel safe
- CCTV, lighting, signage and surfacing in the tunnel have been improved. New lighting and CCTV have been provided for the temporary alleyway along Becket Street from Frideswide Square
- Additional drop-off disabled bays have been provided on the western side of the station and a new travel assist point has been introduced for people with reduced mobility which will take them from the cabin to the station platform. Work to identify suitable potential locations for a taxi rank on the west side of the station continues
- A new audio guide map, developed with OxTalk and MyVision, has been introduced to help people navigate the road closure
- Banners and posters at Oxford station and the surrounding area are displayed to remind people that local businesses remain open. Promotional videos for businesses in the area will be produced and shared on Network Rail and Oxfordshire Connect social media channels. Network Rail will continue working with local businesses to identify further mitigations
- A bi-monthly roundtable will continue to take place chaired by the Federation of Small Businesses to provide updates to businesses on the project, take feedback from affected businesses and identify ways to further mitigate the impact of the work
- Changes to traffic management have been made to reduce the impact of congestion
- Regular updates on the work will continue to be provided via digital newsletter and Oxfordshire Connect Facebook page.
In addition, Network Rail has today launched a new feedback scheme, welcoming ideas and suggestions on further improvement measures which can be taken as work continues.
In addition to enhancing transport links to the city, the completed project will facilitate more train services, improve the station environment, and provide significant accessibility upgrades with wide pedestrian paths and cycleways separated from busy traffic.
During the initial phase of the project, two major challenges were discovered. The first was a Victorian brick arch, which turned out to be three times larger than historical records and ground investigations had indicated. This arch was more integral to the structure of Botley Road and the flood defence system than previously thought.
The second challenge was the close proximity of sewerage to clean water, which prevented simultaneous work on both systems as originally planned. Thames Water has now devised a satisfactory solution to reroute the water supply and the main sewer, which has been incorporated into the new scheme and schedule.
Network Rail’s Western route managing director Marcus Jones said:
“We’re extremely sorry for the impact the road closure is having on the people of Oxford.
“This is an incredibly complex project, involving multiple organisations, which has faced a number of significant challenges but we understand the anger and frustration the delays to this project have caused.
“Our review has scrutinised every aspect of the programme, and with the utility diversions now well advanced, we’re confident the revised plan is deliverable.”
“We already have a number of measures in place to lessen the impact of the closure as much as we can, and will continue to work with local authorities, stakeholders and communities to explore additional options. We also appreciate this work is having an impact on local businesses and are looking at further ways we can help them.”
Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council said:
"I understand and echo the further disappointment that today’s announcement will bring to residents and businesses in West Oxford and Botley. This has taken too long already. However, I welcome Lord Hendy’s active involvement in driving things towards a resolution and his willingness to meet and hear from the people most affected.
"The redevelopment of Oxford Station is essential and will bring real long-term benefits to the city. Without it, proposals to reopen the Cowley Branch Line to passengers or increase the capacity on East-West rail services will not be feasible.
"Now that we have renewed plans and a revised timeline, it is essential that we see real progress in the months ahead to rebuild public confidence in this important infrastructure development."
Image credit: Network Rail
