Oxford’s Botley Road will not re-open until August 2026.
The much-delayed re-opening of the major thoroughfare, due to improvements around Oxford Station, has been announced by Network Rail.
A pedestrian and cycleway will open this Summer and a new flood system is to be installed.
The delays in re-opening the road resulted from two major obstacles being discovered. The first was a Victorian brick arch, which was three times larger in size than historical records and ground investigations showed, and was more critical to the structure of Botley Road and the flood defence system than expected.
The second was the proximity of sewerage to clean water, which meant it wasn’t possible to work on both at the same time as initially planned.
Network Rail, its contactors and the Department for Transport has devised a new timetable for the Oxford Station Enhancement scheme, which takes into account feedback from residents, businesses and the local and county councils.
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 aims to 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,
Measures to mitigate problems include:
- The Botley Flyer bus service
- CCTV, lighting, signage and surfacing in the tunnel improvements. New lighting and CCTV in the temporary alleyway along Becket Street from Frideswide Square
- Additional drop-off disabled bays
- A new audio guide map
- Banners and posters at Oxford station and the surrounding area and promotional videos for businesses in the area.
- A bi-monthly roundtable chaired by the Federation of Small Businesses.
- Changes to traffic management.
- Regular updates on the work.
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.”
Network Rail has launched a new feedback scheme. Contact OxfordFeedback@networkrail.co.uk.
© Thames Tap (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).
Sign up to receive our weekly free journal, The Forum here.
