The reopening of Botley Road was planned for the end of August when the programme, involving the upgrading of Oxford Station and local infrastructure, was reviewed and amended in January 2025 to prioritise the reopening of the road to traffic.

However, during excavation work relating to drainage for the new road, three minor gas leaks were identified on part of the gas network, owned by SGN. The pipe was not damaged by the Network Rail work.

In the interests of safety, and to avoid disruptive and unplanned work to repair potential gas leaks in the future, Network Rail has agreed to accommodate work by gas distribution company SGN to replace a section of their network beneath Botley Road, as well as completing existing Network Rail work.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is frustrating news for residents and businesses who have endured this closure for far too long as it is.

“We will continue to work with Network Rail and other partners to ensure the road can be reopened at the earliest possible time.

“As Network Rail has not released a revised opening date for Botley Road, we currently cannot say when our traffic filter trial will start and the temporary congestion charge will end. We will make an announcement in due course, once we can be certain about the reopening.”

Earlier this month the council announced that the traffic filter trial would replace Oxford’s temporary congestion charge on 14 September. Clearly this will not happen now, as the traffic filter trial will only begin after Botley Road has reopened.

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The changes, based on consultation feedback, will be reviewed by the council’s Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 27 August alongside consultation reports, technical reports and other information. A decision on whether to implement the scheme will then be made by the council’s cabinet.

The scheme aims to reduce traffic in the short term, while Botley Road remains closed  preventing the start of the traffic filter trial, contributing towards creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive city. It is designed to improve bus services and make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car into and around Oxford, and improve air quality in the city.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We are very grateful to the thousands of people who have taken the time to respond and give us their detailed views on this important proposal for Oxford.

“Our officers have been carefully working through and considering those responses. All of this information along with officers recommendations will be presented to the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting in the last week of August. That committee will fully debate the subject and make its own thoughts and recommendations clear to the council’s cabinet. A decision will then be taken at cabinet on 10 September. I look forward to reviewing all of the information that will be presented that day and debating this matter with cabinet colleagues.”

A six-week consultation took place on the proposals from 23 June to 3 August this year. The survey received 7,165 responses. Responses and feedback have helped shape the proposals now being presented.

In answer to survey questions, 66 per cent of people said there shouldn’t be a charge at all, 7.7 per cent thought that the charge was too high and 73.9 per cent thought that the proposals would negatively impact them. Concerns were shared as part of the survey feedback about the scheme's effectiveness, impact on local businesses, and fairness.

The proposals have been amended to address some of those concerns raised. There is also significant support in consultation feedback for the proposal’s potential to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance public transport services. 

The proposals now include more detail, with recommendations to provide free park and ride journeys alongside the introduction of the temporary charge, for an initial period of two months before reviewing, covering the busy Christmas period. Additional permits are also being considered for certain circumstances including for ice hockey clubs and business cars.

If approved the temporary scheme could be introduced in autumn this year.

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The new programme will see Botley Road reopen in August 2026, while improved access for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced this summer. 

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.

Another obstacle was the proximity of sewerage to clean water, preventing it working on both at the same time as initially planned. Thames Water has now found a solution to diverting the water supply and the main sewer, which has been built into the new programme. 

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 it is essential that it sticks to its timetable. We will be holding them to account on that.

“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.”

Oxfordshire County Council will now assess the impact of today's update on the timing of its own schemes in and around Oxford, including the six trial traffic filters.

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.

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.”

Network Rail’s Western Route’s 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.”

Network Rail will hold a public information event at the West Oxford Community Association Centre on Botley Road on Wednesday 29 January for residents to find out more about the updated timeline and the status of the work.

For information on the project visit Network Rail’s Oxfordshire Connect website, where people can also sign up for regular email updates.

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Due to complications experienced during its £161 million redevelopment of Oxford Station, Network Rail has requested that Botley Road remain closed to through traffic until the project is completed in October 2024.

The original plan was to reopen the road at the end of next month when utility diversion work was due to be completed, and then close it again to through traffic from March - October 2024 for highway work and the replacement of Botley railway bridge.

However, Network Rail has not been able to keep to this schedule due to problems caused by the discovery of an inverted brick arch under the surface, which stretches beneath the railway bridge.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Obviously it is disappointing that Botley Road will remain closed for longer than expected but there was no alternative due to the difficulties faced by Network Rail in this complex project.

“We continue to thank residents, commuters and businesses who have been affected by this work for their patience and understanding. As the highway authority, we will continue to work with Network Rail and other partners and discharge our duty to manage the highways network effectively.”

Dale Crutcher, Network Rail’s Industry Programme Director for Greater Oxford, said: “This project is extremely complex and has been made even more challenging by the extent of the brick arch underneath the road. We’ve explored a number of options to deliver the works which included moving to working around the clock, but unfortunately with needing the infrastructure to be ready by the end of next year we have no choice but to keep the road closed until October 2024.

“I understand this will be disappointing for residents and businesses, and I’m sorry for the disruption this will cause.

“Engagement with stakeholders will continue with the next local community drop-in at West Oxford Community Centre on Wednesday 27 September between 2.30pm and 6pm, where members of the project team will be available to answer your questions.”

The multi-million-pound project to upgrade the station, the railway and the surrounding local road network will boost passengers’ travel experience while better connecting rail links to the east of Oxford.

Once complete, the station and railway upgrades – part of the Oxfordshire Connect programme – will provide travellers with a bigger and better Oxford station and an expanded railway which will enable more services for passengers and freight, with reduced journey times.  

The road network near the station will also be improved, with safer junctions with Botley Road and more opportunities for sustainable transport, including enhanced bus travel as well as more space for cyclists and pedestrians through the addition of a four-metre cycle and footway on each side of the main road.   

For information on the project visit networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect or for the latest highways information oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordstation

Anyone wishing to get the latest information on the project can sign up to receive e-mail updates at lineside.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect

Network Rail has issued an update about its plans to replace the rail bridge over Botley Road in Oxford, as part of its wider project to expand the station on the western side. It will involve full closures of Botley Road to through traffic for several months at a time in 2023 and 2024.

Network Rail has had detailed discussions with the government and Oxfordshire County Council and is now working to a new approved project timeline:

• 11 April 2023 to the end of October 2023: Botley Road closure for through traffic for utility diversion work.
• March 2024 - October 2024: Botley Road closed to through traffic for highway work.

Network Rail originally planned for a 12 month closure starting in January 2023, but this had to be amended due to the complexities involved.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “It is great to hear we have confirmed dates from Network Rail for work to start to redevelop Oxford Station. It will improve capacity for passengers and freight and is vital for the development of projects such as East West Rail and other improvements.

“As with any project of this scale, it will inevitably mean disruption – in this case the closure of Botley Road for two significant periods. While this cannot be avoided, we will do all we can to minimise the impact on the rest of the road network. We will work closely with Network Rail and our other partners, such as the bus companies, to keep the city moving during this period.”

The county council is assessing the impact this may have on the timing of its own schemes in and around Oxford. The traffic filters trial in Oxford, approved by the council’s cabinet, will now be delayed. It cannot start until after Botley Road has fully reopened to traffic in autumn 2024.

It is expected that the other main routes into Oxford will get busier. Limited roadworks on these roads will be allowed to help mitigate this. Further parking/loading restrictions may also need to be considered. Use of bus and park and ride services will be strongly promoted for those visiting Oxford.

Between 11 April and October 2023 while the first closure is in place:

• Motorists who usually use Botley Road to get into the city are advised to use the Seacourt Park and Ride or take an alternative route.
• Buses will turn around just before the rail bridge allowing passengers to continue their journey into the city centre on foot.
• Pedestrians and cyclists will have access throughout the work.
• Network Rail is working with emergency services on access arrangements.
• Residents’ access to their homes will remain at all times, with some diversions in place.

Work is continuing to take place to look at how to ease the pressure on the rest of the road network and further details will be released as soon as they are available.

Claire Mahoney, Programme Director for Oxfordshire Connect at Network Rail, said: “Replacing the bridge at Botley Road near the station in Oxford is a critical part of the works required to improve the station for the city, increase rail traffic in Oxfordshire and improve the highway for buses into the city. There was never going to be an easy way to do this work, it’s extremely complex and needs to be carefully coordinated with multiple utility companies.

“We’ve split the work into two parts this year and next year, so that we reduce the impact on the city’s residents. We’re working closely with the city and county councils, and transport providers, so it’s easier to work and move around during the closure, but we know this is going to inevitably cause disruption. We urge residents and businesses to understand the impact on them and plan ahead whilst the works are in place.”

It is hoped that work to repair a water main on Osney Bridge on Botley Road, involving Thames Water and the Environment Agency, can be arranged during this year’s closure to avoid further disruption for road users in the future.

For information on the project visit networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect or for the latest highways information www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordstation

Anyone wishing to get the latest information on the project can sign up to receive e-mail updates at lineside.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect

Detailed discussions with the county council had led to the conclusion that there should be a 12-month closure of Botley Road to traffic for the duration of the work, which will include replacing the rail bridge over Botley Road. However, Network Rail has now said it is not in a position to meet this start date.

In a statement, Network Rail said: "Replacing the bridge over Botley Road to facilitate a new platform, western entrance and road improvements is an incredibly complex project, which needs to be completed by the end of 2024 in time for the start of East West Rail services.

"We are working with partners to refine our plans for the delivery of the works to enhance the station and do not now need to start the full closure of Botley Road in January. Part of this review is looking at how to reduce the impact of our work on the local community. Further details will be confirmed in the coming weeks."

Due to the scale and nature of the works on the highway, including the need to divert vital utility services such as water, gas and electricity, the impact on Botley Road will be significant. The council, Network Rail and others are discussing a new way forward.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “Although we were disappointed to learn about the need to delay the start of works for Oxford Station, as the highways authority, Oxfordshire County Council will continue to work with Network Rail and discharge our duty to manage the highways network effectively.

“Once any new arrangements have been confirmed, we will work with Network Rail and other partners to make sure the details are communicated clearly and accurately to everyone who might be affected.”

The county council will assess the impact the change of timing from 9 January will have on the timing of its own schemes in and around Oxford, including the six trial traffic filters.

Further announcements will be made once discussions with Network Rail have developed further in the coming weeks.

More information about the project can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordphase2

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Network Rail has issued an update about its plans to replace the rail bridge over the Botley Road in Oxford, as part of its wider project to expand the station on the western side.

Detailed discussions with the county council led to the conclusion that there should be a 12-month closure of the Botley Road to traffic for the duration of the work.

Due to scale and nature of the works on the highway, including the need to divert vital utility services such as water, gas and electricity, the impact on Botley Road will be significant. Network Rail plans to publicise further details in mid-November.

During discussions with Network Rail, the county council fully explored a traditional approach of a series of lane closures under temporary traffic lights. However, a condensed 12-month programme with a point closure of Botley Road for the duration of the work is considered preferable as it reduces risk to timeframe/programme.

This method of accommodating the railway work would preserve access to businesses and services along Botley Road and minimise the likelihood of the substantial queueing that would occur with just lane closures. Such queues would then ultimately impact on the A34 and bus journey times.

The currently proposed start date for the works and closure is 9 January 2023.

Pedestrian and cycle access through the closure points is planned to be maintained throughout – although the specific route through may change. It is planned that buses will operate to either side of the closure so those on through-journeys will need to do a short walk and change buses.

Emergency Service access will be provided with the specific arrangements likely to vary depending on the stage of works. 

It is expected that the other main routes into Oxford will get busier. Limited roadworks on these roads will be allowed to help mitigate this. Further parking/loading restrictions may also need to be considered. Use of bus and park and ride services will be strongly promoted for those visiting Oxford.

More detailed information on all of this will be communicated by Network Rail to local communities from November via letters, briefings and drop-in sessions. Further information about the project can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordphase2

People can sign up to receive e-mail updates about the work via https://lineside.networkrail.co.uk/oxford-phase-2

The county council is assessing the impact this may have on the timing of its own schemes in and around Oxford.

The council recognises that there would be challenges implementing the six trial traffic filters during the works for the replacement of the rail bridge and the closure of Botley Road as a result. If the council’s cabinet agrees to implement the trial filters, there would be a further recommendation that this should happen after the Botley Road reopens.

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"We apologise for the delays this morning. The Traffic Control Centre alerted the travelling public to the delay via BBC Travel at 7am and the reason for the delay.

"Thames Water did repair the leak last night, however, the reinstatement of the surface took place at around 8am this morning, at which time our officer was on site. The lights have remained in position to allow the repair to 'go off' properly before allowing the traffic to run on the surface. They are now removed.

"We do take these traffic issues seriously and do what we can to alert the public. As with all urgent works we make every effort to accommodate repairs and minimise disruption."