An initial pre-feasibility study by Oxfordshire County Council explored the potential for the new station on the Chiltern Main Line, including assessing viability and identifying key considerations for further development.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “A new station at Ardley is something we explored in last year’s OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, our ambitious plan to improve rail transport and connectivity across Oxfordshire and the wider region.

“This latest study, which we commissioned, has shown that a station at Ardley could significantly enhance rail access for nearby communities currently reliant on road travel. It could also serve a wider catchment area with appropriate infrastructure, mitigating the effects of wider proposed growth and transport changes.”

The pre-feasibility study is an early evaluation to see if there is enough evidence to continue developing the Ardley station proposal and to identify opportunities and constraints without selecting a final design or committing to delivery.

An initial simple station concept includes two platforms, accessible facilities, and modest parking, with an estimated cost range of between £24 - 29 million. A possible location would be the site of the historic Ardley station and its sidings, which closed in 1963.

Any further work would need to include detailed assessments of location, design, costs, timetable integration, environmental impacts, stakeholder engagement, and funding options to support the next stage – a potential strategic outline case.

OxRail 2040 proposes four new stations – Oxford Cowley, Oxford Littlemore, Begbroke and Wantage & Grove – while also exploring the feasibility of a fifth at Ardley.

These schemes will be developed through business case, design and delivery in partnership with the government, the infrastructure manager, operators, developers, commercial partnerships and district councils.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

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.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The routes of the B3, 488 and 489 buses have been updated to drop passengers directly outside the station entrance.

These changes to Banbury’s local bus network will improve journeys between Banbury town centre, the rail station, Cherwell Heights, Bodicote, Longford Park and Chipping Norton.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “This is a major step forward for joined up travel in Banbury, strengthening our local bus network and making it easier for everyone to connect between bus and rail.

“Travel hubs like the rail station are vital to Banbury’s continued growth and prosperity, offering safer, sustainable and more convenient travel options and supporting our ambition for Banbury to be a thriving, accessible town.

“I am so pleased that the long-awaited Tramway Road project is almost complete, with one more drop off area being constructed this spring. This is about providing residents and visitors with the reliable, future-ready services our communities deserve and enabling greater use of public transport for everyday journeys.”

Residents can familiarise themselves with the new B3, 488 and 489 routes and timetables by visiting Stagecoach Bus’ website. The changes came into effect on Sunday 4 January 2026.

Chris Hanson, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, said: “We’ve made targeted changes to the B3, 488 and 489 services to better meet the needs of passengers travelling to and from Banbury station. By adjusting routes and timetables to take advantage of the new access via Tramway Road, we’re improving reliability, punctuality and day to day convenience for our customers. These service improvements are about delivering practical, dependable connections and making public transport a more attractive choice for local journeys.”

Oxfordshire County Council working with its contractor M Group Limited started construction of the Banbury Railway Station access improvement project in October 2024, with the provision of new bus stops and a bus only route along Station Approach Road north a central part of the project.

Work has now been completed on a new roundabout, a new section of Tramway Road and a Tramway Road footpath. New drainage, surfacing, lighting, fencing and landscaping have also been installed in the station west car park A, along Station Approach Road north and in the station forecourt.

The west car park reopened in December, providing access to standard, disabled and enlarged parking bays at the back of the station.

The last phase of construction, which involves a new drop off facility planned for land to the south of the new roundabout, is expected to be built in spring 2026, subject to land agreements.

Notes for editors

Updates to the Banbury bus routes and timetables can be found on Stagecoach Bus’ website.

·       Service B3: Now connects Banbury town centre, Banbury Railway Station forecourt, Cherwell Heights, Bodicote, and Longford Park. Buses will run every half an hour, starting at 6.36am and ending at 7.50pm, Monday to Friday; every half an hour starting at 7.06am and ending at 7.43pm on Saturday; and every hour starting at 8.12am and ending at 6.12pm on Sundays.

·       Services 488 and 489: Now link Banbury with Chipping Norton, providing revised routes that serve the Banbury railway station forecourt using Tramway Road and Hightown Road. These services will no longer call at George Street, High Street, or Banbury Cross, but continued hospital connectivity is assured using stops on Hightown Road. Buses will run roughly once an hour, starting at 6.01am and ending at 7.07pm, Monday to Friday; once an hour starting at 6.16am and ending at 5.42pm on Saturday; and roughly once every two hours starting at 8.01am and ending at 5.42pm on Sundays.

Photo

1. From left to right: Paul Wooster, Area Manager, Chiltern Railway; Trevor Bayliss, Operations Manager, Witney Depot, Stagecoach West; Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action; Chris Hanson, Managing Director, Stagecoach West; Councillor Liz Leffman, Charlbury and Wychwood, Leader, Oxfordshire County Council; Chris Dyer, Head of Service, Transport & Property Infrastructure Delivery, Environment & Highways, Oxfordshire County Council.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The county council and its contractor, M Group Limited, have been building a new road enabling access from the south, providing footways, cycleways and bus stops, and resurfacing.

Commuters and those travelling over the festive period can now drive into the west car park from the new access route up Tramway Road, using the new mini roundabout. Drivers can also drop off passengers on Tramway Road. Station Approach Road north and the station forecourt are now open for drop off and parking.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to reach this milestone in this much needed project for Banbury. Residents now have more choice in how they access Banbury Rail Station and, crucially, we’ve made it possible to improve bus access in the new year.

“If you are walking, cycling or wheeling, new footpaths and cycleways will make journeys safer. In the new year, the B3, 489 and 499 buses routes will begin stopping outside and we will complete work on an extra passenger drop off facility.

“Our ambition has always been to make it easier to get to Banbury Rail Station and take the train onwards and this new travel hub will make a positive difference to station users into the new year and beyond.”

Construction started in October 2024, with the new roundabout, new section of Tramway Road and the Tramway Road footpath opening for access to the industrial estate and football ground in June of this year.

Work has now been completed in the station west car park A, along Station Approach Road north and in the station forecourt, including new drainage, surfacing, lighting, fencing and landscaping.

The county council has also completed designs for a new drop off facility planned south of the new roundabout. Subject to land agreements, this will provide six bays plus one reserved for disabled users and is expected to be built in spring 2026.

Michael Stewart, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways, said: “We have been working with Oxfordshire County Council to carry out significant upgrades to Banbury station, including new footpaths, cycleways and bus stops which will be transformational for rail users. In addition to this, there will be enhanced parking options for our customers at the station.

“Over the last 18 months, we have also opened a new café, toilets, and carried out a painting programme to improve the overall experience for our customers at Banbury.”

New signage will be in place to inform drivers about designated parking areas and that a ‘bus gate’ only route, restricting standard vehicles from Tramway Road to Bridge Street, is now live along Station Approach Road north.

Stagecoach Bus has confirmed that the B3 and 488/489 bus routes will stop at the Banbury Rail Station from Sunday 4 January, with updated timetables now available on their website.

Notes for editors

More information on the Banbury Rail Station access improvements can be found at oxfordshire.gov.uk/banburystation

Updates to the Banbury bus routes and timetables can be found on the Stagecoach Bus website: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/service-updates/serviceupdatesarticle?SituationId=ID-11/12/2025-16:37:22:832

The west station car park provides 118 standard bays, four disabled and three enlarged bays at the back of the station.

Drivers can drop off or pick up on Tramway Road or enter Banbury Rail Station via Bridge Street and use the drop off areas at the north and east sides of the station, with the north providing close access to the station front door.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The Oxford Growth Commission was set up in May 2025 to review how best to unlock and accelerate growth across the county.

The interim report, which was published today, recognises Oxfordshire and Oxford’s unique position at the heart of the UK’s innovation ecosystem and their critical role in driving national economic growth.

It highlights the region’s world-leading research capacity, thriving knowledge-intensive sectors, and the potential to deliver significant benefits for local communities and the wider UK economy.

The interim report sets out opportunity areas for development within existing planning frameworks and highlights additional opportunities around the Cowley Branch Line.

It calls for a number of measures including:

• Investment in critical infrastructure such as the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line, the modernisation of Oxford Station, and enhanced digital and energy networks.
• Accelerated delivery of new homes, including affordable housing, to meet both current and future needs.
• Support for innovation, skills and inward investment, building on Oxford and Oxfordshire’s global reputation for research and enterprise.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We welcome this interim report, and the focus on sustainable and inclusive growth which aligns with our own strategic vision for a greener, fairer and healthier future for all our residents.

“It is gratifying to see the support it offers to our OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail to improve rail transport and connectivity over the next 15 years, and the acknowledgement of the funding commitments that the county council has made for infrastructure.

“We look forward to working with partners to deliver the infrastructure, housing and skills needed to unlock Oxfordshire’s full potential. We’d like to thank Neale and his team for their work to date in getting local partners and government around the table to address what’s needed.”

The Oxford Growth Commission’s mission is to support the delivery of infrastructure, housing and employment to unleash Oxford’s and Oxfordshire’s economic power, accelerating growth in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and driving economic growth across the UK.

The commission intends to issue a final report to the Secretary of State for Housing by autumn 2026.

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The council has indicated that it would, in principle, be prepared to provide some funding to help make it a reality, subject to alignment with its own adopted policy and wider needs and demands in Bicester.

The development of East West Rail, linking Oxford with Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford, will mean the closure of Bicester London Road level crossing due to an increase in the frequency of trains passing through it, prompting the need to find alternative routes for motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

On Wednesday, East West Railway Company (EWR Co) published its latest proposals for Oxford and Bicester, shaped by extensive public consultation and detailed technical design work.

Their revised underpass design now includes an underpass option which East West Rail proposes as a single-lane road that could be used by vehicles, alongside a protected active travel corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. However, they said this would be subject to securing third-party funding contributions.

The alternative bridge with lift and step only access option remains a risk. The county council considers this unacceptable and continues to argue against its inclusion as an option.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We very much support the East West Rail project and welcome EWR Co’s introduction of an underpass option for their plans for the London Road level crossing, and we hope to be able to provide financial support for the project.

“However, other sources will be required to ensure full funding of the underpass. We will hold discussions with EWR Co and the government on how additional local funding can be raised from existing funding streams.

“We look forward to seeing the assessment work on the proposed solution and what impact it would have on the local road network. It is vital that any plans align with our own adopted policy and the wider needs and demands of Bicester.”

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet today adopted the OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, which was developed with stakeholders, including the rail industry, and followed a public consultation.

OxRail 2040 proposes a wide range of interventions, but at the heart of it are four priorities that are critical to achieving the overarching vision of a modern, inclusive and sustainable railway: 

1. An Oxfordshire Metro: creating an integrated transport network that brings together rail, bus, walking and cycling in a better co-ordinated and seamless user-centred travel offer.
2. Electrification: building a zero-carbon rail network for Oxfordshire, anchored by the ‘electric freight spine’.
3. Oxford railway station: increasing capacity to support more services across the county, improving its mobility links and upgrading its appearance and facilities.
4. Five proposed new stations: at Oxford Cowley, Oxford Littlemore, Begbroke, Wantage & Grove and Ardley to support growth.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “This is not simply a wish list. We have credible routes for the delivery of each of the proposals in OxRail 2040, and through the consultation we have received very positive feedback from key government and industry figures.

“While the government and train operators are responsible for rail infrastructure and passenger services, with private operators delivering rail freight, as the local transport and highways authority Oxfordshire County Council is a key stakeholder and partner in shaping the future of transport in the county.

“Since we started putting this plan together, we’ve had the announcement about government funding of the Cowley Branch Line, which shows the kind of investment we can generate when all the preparation and partnership working is in place when opportunities arise.”

Additional opportunities include continuing to support community rail initiatives and the need for a mass rapid transit option for the Oxford-Witney-Carterton corridor consistent with the emerging local plans for growth.

The plan also calls for the upgrading of rail lines to increase passenger services and support freight routes to remove HGVs from our roads.

Cllr Roberts added: “By shifting more freight to rail, we will ease congestion on major roads like the A34 and this in turn will reduce maintenance costs to the taxpayer and improve air quality.”

The continued development of East West Rail, proposals to upgrade of all the county’s existing 23 railway stations, and calls for the restoration of double track on the North Cotswold line to Hanborough are also among the priority projects highlighted in OxRail 2040.

The requirement to develop and adopt a new rail plan is set out in the council’s local transport and connectivity plan. It is also expected to help ensure the county is well placed to unlock funding opportunities for travel and growth when they arise.

Cllr Roberts said: “It demonstrates how we are pushing hard for an ambitious expansion and enhancement of rail to complement and sustain our fast-growing local economy.

“However, success in delivering these aims will depend on the government, the rail industry and our local communities collaborating with us and playing their part.

“With the move to a state owned Great British Railways encompassing track and train, and the likely establishment of a mayoral strategic authority with substantial new powers and funding, OxRail 2040 lays the foundations for the future.”

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The reopening of the line will connect communities in Littlemore, Cowley, Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys to central Oxford, in under 10 minutes, and then directly on to London Marylebone. It will also connect four of Oxford’s growth areas along one route from ARC Oxford (formally the Oxford Business Park), The Oxford Science Park and the Ellison Institute of Technology, Oxford West End (next to Oxford Station), and Oxford North (near Oxford Parkway).

The project to reopen the Cowley Branch Line to passengers has been a longstanding priority for Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council, and today’s announcement is the result of many years of work and commitment from local partners.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is wonderful news and well deserved after all the hard work that so many organisations have put into making this happen. The Cowley Branch Line will form a critical part of our Oxfordshire Metro concept of fully integrated public transport and active travel links, connecting communities and businesses.

“This week the county council agreed an initial £10m investment in our emerging new OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail and we look forward to presenting ambitious and deliverable plans for additional services and stations right across the county to support sustainable economic growth.”

The announcement was followed by a special event in Oxford when the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, The Rt Hon James Murray MP and Lord Hendy, Minister of State for Rail joined by local leaders from across the public, private and academic sectors to travel along the Cowley Branch Line from Oxford Parkway, followed by a visit to the Ellison Institute of Technology.

Ellison Institute of Technology has also unveiled it plans to invest £10bn over the next 10 years on talent and science programmes, in addition to the two million sq ft campus in Littlemore. The Cowley Branch Line project has been a key factor in unlocking this nationally significant Foreign Direct Investment.

The councils, along with ARC Oxford, The Oxford Science Park, and the Ellison Institute of Technology, have worked together to fund a £4.7m business and investment case, which was submitted to the Department for Transport earlier this year by Network Rail.

Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, has also championed the project with an annual walk along the route of the line to raise awareness.

Reopening the Cowley Branch Line to passengers will help connect communities in Oxford, providing quicker and more sustainable connections. The line is designed to be an accessible and affordable option for local travel. The city and county councils will work to ensure fares to and from central Oxford are in line with other similar-length journeys – for example, from Oxford Parkway to Oxford.

So far, £4.7m has been invested in feasibility work and local partners will be asked to contribute £35m to the total construction cost. Both the city and county councils have already committed funds to this and will work with other landowners to secure further contributions.

Oxfordshire County Council contributed £206,000 towards the full business case for the Cowley Branch Line. They are committed to contributing a further £2.5m towards the funding of the stations and infrastructure and expect to commit substantial further funding alongside partners as they work to complete the £35m local contribution required.

Work will also be carried out to identify the additional infrastructure needed to connect the stations to their local communities. This could include new bridges, pedestrian and cycle routes, and better connectivity with the bus network.

Reopening the Cowley Branch Line will bring wide-ranging benefits to Oxford and the surrounding area by unlocking thousands of new homes and could create over 10,000 new jobs. It will help to reduce congestion, cut carbon emissions, and provide the rail capacity needed to support East West Rail and government growth priorities.

It is forecast to attract almost one million return journeys each year.

Comments from partners

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Today marks a major milestone in our campaign to reopen the Cowley Branch Line to passengers, something that has been a priority for us for over a decade. In 2023, the city council decided to take the lead in making it a reality by investing £3.8m of our money, alongside securing additional funds from partners, and directly commissioning Network Rail to develop the Full Business Case for the reopening of the line. I am glad that the leadership and conviction the city council showed in taking this risk has now paid off.

“The Cowley Branch Line is the single most important piece of infrastructure for connecting local communities and businesses in south and east Oxford. It will give access to more amenities and jobs, help to cut congestion, meet our climate targets, and unlock new homes and jobs.

“We are proud to have worked with our partners to get the project to this stage, and we’re pleased the government recognises how important it is for the people of Oxford and beyond. We now need to work with landowners and developers in the area to help pay for the line and the works needed to connect the stations into the communities they serve.”

Anneliese Dodds, MP for East Oxford, said: “I’m delighted that after years of campaigning for the reopening of the Cowley branch line, alongside local residents, this is finally going to become a reality! I’m grateful to everyone who has pushed for the line to be reopened for so many years.

“The reopened branch line will make a massive difference to local residents, slashing travel times and reducing congestion. It will also open up many economic opportunities for local residents. I’m so pleased that the government has listened to Oxford today!”

Neale Coleman CBE, Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission, said: “I am delighted by today’s announcement that the Cowley Branch Line will be reopened as a passenger line. This announcement has been the culmination of years of hard work from many organisations across Oxford and will support the fantastic opportunities for growth throughout the city and county.

“The reopened branch line will have a transformative impact on the south and east of Oxford, helping to unlock new houses and jobs for local residents. Enhanced connectivity will support local communities by cutting commuting times for residents, boosting growth for businesses and supporting Oxfordshire’s wider economy.”

Jim Stretton, Managing Director of ARC, said: “A new station at ARC Oxford will help our members attract world-class talent and grow their businesses, while strengthening connections between local communities, companies and research hubs. This decision will support the continued growth of our thriving campus and help ensure Oxford remains a global leader in science and technology.”

Yong Shen, Director of The Oxford Science Park, said: “The reopening of the Cowley Branch Line and the creation of a station at The Oxford Science Park will greatly improve connectivity for our tenants to the city and beyond. It’s a significant, tangible step towards more sustainable transport options and will support the continued growth and collaboration that define the Park.”

Lisa Flashner, EIT’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We’re delighted to hear the Cowley Branch Line will be reopened to passenger traffic. It’s a great example of what can happen if government and the private sector join forces and both contribute to a common goal. It will help us attract world-class talent to EIT by linking up key innovation hubs with Central London via direct train services. It will also facilitate a closer alliance between EIT and Oxford University with faster journey times as well benefit local residents.”

Rob Brighouse, Chair of Oxford Strategic Rail Promoters’ Group, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and represents great news for those who do, and will, live and work on the route, as well as helping to ease rail capacity constraints through Oxford.

“It also demonstrates what can be achieved when the public sector and private sector come together to enable infrastructure investment which drives economic and social benefit.” 

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council is seeking feedback on its emerging new plan OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, which encompasses the whole rail network across the county.

People can read a summary of the plan and have their say on the council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire website at https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/railplan by midnight on 1 October.

Councillor Judy Roberts Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “While the government and train operators are responsible for rail infrastructure and passenger services, with private operators delivering rail freight, we as the local transport and highways authority are a key stakeholder and partner in shaping the future of transport in the county.

“With the move to a state owned Great British Railways encompassing track and train and the likely establishment of a mayoral strategic authority with substantial new powers and funding, our plan lays the foundations for the future.

“We are pushing hard for an ambitious expansion and enhancement of rail to complement and sustain our fast-growing local economy. That’s why it’s vital that we outline our priorities and ambitions for the future of rail development in Oxfordshire.

“I would urge anyone with an interest in shaping the future of transport to take part in the consultation and tell us what matters to them.”

Issues explored by the plan include upgrading rail lines, increasing passenger services, and supporting freight routes to remove HGVs from our roads. Additionally, the plan sets out measures to reduce rail related noise and pollution and to decarbonise the rail system through the electrification of more routes and the procurement of substantial new rolling stock fleets.

There is also a focus on developing an Oxfordshire Metro. This concept aims to improve and increase journeys by bus, train and other modes by co-ordinating timetables, simplifying tickets and using apps for payments and journey information to make them seamless.

The plan also wants Oxford Station, currently undergoing redevelopment, to be at the heart of the city’s next phase of growth. It has ambitions for the station to be a catalyst for new homes, employment opportunities and public services, while strengthening connections to Oxford’s universities, hospitals and innovation clusters.

Having an approved rail plan is expected to help ensure the county is well placed to unlock funding opportunities for travel and growth when they arise.

The continued development of East West Rail and plans to reopen the Cowley Branch Line are among the priority projects highlighted. Furthermore, the plan proposes upgrades of all of the county’s existing 23 railway stations, to open five new stations, and calls for the restoration of double track on the North Cotswold line to Hanborough.

Cllr Roberts added: “Growth in the local economy and in people choosing alternatives to road transport are such that rail passenger numbers in the county are expected to  increase greatly over the next 15 years. Improved facilities are essential.”

The requirement to develop and adopt a new rail strategy is set out in the council’s local transport and connectivity plan.

The finalised plan is expected to be presented to the council’s cabinet for formal adoption later this year.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Following a tendering process, Oxfordshire County Council has commissioned SLC Rail to put together the strategic outline business case for the project.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “Oxfordshire County Council has long been an advocate of a proposed Wantage and Grove Station.

“This area has had a rapid increase in population in recent years and if we are going to be able to meet our ambitious targets set in our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan, rail improvements will be a key factor.

“Providing fast, regular and reliable transport options that serve our local communities and businesses across the region is essential for supporting the people, our economic centres and climate change objectives.”

The proposed new station would support the substantial growth in population that has taken place over recent years and provide residents with a high-quality and sustainable alternative means of travel.

Oxfordshire County Council is leading on the promotion of the station and will be working closely with Network Rail, Great Western Railways (GWR) and South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils to progress any plans.

Claire Mahoney, Network Rail's industry programme director, said: “We welcome the feasibility study into a proposed new station for Wantage and Grove.

“The industry strategy – the Oxfordshire Rail Corridor Study, jointly commissioned by the county and city councils, Network Rail, and the Department for Transport – highlighted opportunities to expand Oxfordshire’s railway and help deliver economic growth to the region. This recommended a number of potential future improvements to support increasing interconnectivity across Oxfordshire, which could support the provision of new stations.”

A Wantage and Grove station was initially opened in 1846 but has seen no trains since 1964.

GWR's Business Development Portfolio Director Tom Pierpoint said: “We welcome the development of new stations across our network and are proud of our record working with partners to connect communities to the railway in recent years with new stations opening in Bristol, Devon and Reading.

“We look forward to engaging with the study, including on line capacity, rolling stock and crew requirements.”

Proposals for the new station will feature in Oxfordshire County Council’s emerging OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail strategy, which is expected to be adopted later this year.

If reopened, according to an independent opinion in 2018, it is estimated to become the fifth busiest station in Oxfordshire, attracting at least a million users a year.

There is also a strong economic case for the station, as it is estimated to generate £2.48 for every £1 invested.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

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.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Residents and businesses have shown incredible patience with more than a year of disruption to their lives because of this project, which has already had its timetable altered twice before and seen its closure dates extended. We have expressed our deep dissatisfaction to Network Rail and to the Department for Transport about this.

The launch of the council’s traffic filters trial planned to start in November is now in question, with various options being considered as a result. The trial aims to tackle Oxford’s chronic congestion problems and dramatically improve bus journey times. We are calling on and working with Network Rail to find an acceptable solution to this situation quickly.

The council remains incredibly supportive of improvements to the rail station for Oxford with improved capacity for passengers and freight, which is vital for the development of projects such as East West Rail.

In the meantime, we will continue to do all we can to work with partners to minimise the impact on the rest of the road network.

Network Rail has been given four clear recommendations as a result of the report which has been conducted by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

One of the recommendations is that Network Rail should improve the process of evaluating defects. Oxfordshire County Council had previously alerted Network Rail to problems at the bridge.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “When there are issues with bridges over railways they tend to have ramifications for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists as they seek to move around the county. As such it is essential that Network Rail learns lessons for the future from this comprehensive report.

“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been crystal clear as regards what Network Rail now needs to do to cut down the chances of type of thing happening again.

“On behalf of the people in this particular area of Oxfordshire and the wider county we would urge Network Rail to absorb what has been said and quickly act upon the recommendations. It is frustrating for everyone when issues that could have been mitigated or avoided lead to huge disruption to people’s day to day lives, as was the case here a year ago.”

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The preliminary strategic outline case for the Carterton-Witney-Oxford Rail Corridor (CWORC) was commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council, following proposals from the Witney Oxford Transport Group.

The aim was to establish if there is a case for building the proposed railway line, what the benefits could be and to give an indication of the likely investment required.

Details were released earlier this year, along with the summary reports. The full reports, which have now been updated are available to read (see Downloads right).

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “We committed to undertake a study to explore the potential for a new rail link to serve West Oxfordshire, which we have done. The work so far shows that this transformational project would be possible and could provide potentially significant transport and other benefits in the longer-term, in line with our policies to improve public transport.

“However, it would also come at a very significant cost, as well as having wider planning considerations, which we would need to discuss with West Oxfordshire District Council and other partners.”

The study has shown that building a rail link would be feasible and could be justified in transport strategy terms but identifies planning and environmental issues.

It also warns about the high financial cost and difficulty involved in undertaking such a project. However, if it went ahead, it is predicted to be profitable.

Other key findings include:

• Predicted journey times of 23 minutes from Carterton to Oxford, 16 minutes from Witney and 11 minutes from Eynsham. This represents journey time savings of more than 70 per cent.
• Considerations of other alternate transport modes, with the conclusion that rail is best placed to deliver the necessary journey time savings and additional capacity.
• The first phase of the railway could be delivered by 2033 at the earliest.

However, construction costs of building the rail line alone are estimated by the report at between £700 - £900 million, with the scheme potentially being delivered in phases – although no route has been decided at this stage.

It would, therefore, be a long-term project and would also depend on other rail improvements being funded and completed, including the planned upgrade to the North Cotswold Line, which the county council remains committed to.

Funding for a rail project of this significance would mainly need to come from central government.

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We welcome the feasibility study and partnership opportunities to bring an ambitious project to fruition with the county council and other stakeholders.

“There is much work to be done and we will need to create the framework to ensure it is fully costed as an investment that will make a difference to the lives of our residents and address current and future employment. It is not what we do for ourselves today but what we leave for future generations.”

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

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

The preliminary strategic outline case for the Carterton-Witney-Oxford Rail Corridor (CWORC) was commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council, following proposals from the Witney Oxford Transport Group. The aim was to establish if there is a strategic need for the proposed railway line and to give an indication of the likely investment required.

The study has shown that building a rail link would be feasible and could be justified in transport strategy terms but identifies a number of planning and environmental issues. It also warns about the high financial cost and difficulty involved in undertaking such a project. However, if it went ahead, it would be predicted to be profitable.

Councillor Duncan Enright, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, said: “We are delighted to see the publication of this study exploring future sustainable options for transport between West Oxfordshire and Oxford.

“We really hope that it will prompt much-needed government investment into ambitious rail enhancement in Oxfordshire and take pressure off the overstretched A40. A rail link could save more than one million car miles and 100 tonnes of carbon emissions from car use every year as well as making travel easier for commuters and other visitors.”

The study suggests the journey to and from Oxford could take as little 23 minutes from Carterton, 16 minutes from Witney, and 11 minutes from Eynsham (subject to a more detailed assessment of track and platform capacity). This would represent a saving of around an hour compared to anticipated bus and car journey times in 2031.

However, construction costs of building the rail line alone are estimated by the report at between £700 - £900 million, with the scheme potentially being delivered in phases – although no route has been decided at this stage. It would therefore be a long-term project and would also depend on other rail improvements being funded and completed, including the planned upgrade to the North Cotswold Line.

West Oxfordshire District Council welcomed the CWORC study and said it strongly supports the work being done to explore the potential new rail link.

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We declared a climate emergency in 2019 and reducing our carbon emissions from road-based transport is vital if we are to meaningfully tackle the emergency and help meet the 2050 national zero target.

“The county council’s A40 improvement programmes will clearly go a long way towards improving opportunities for walking, cycling and public transport through bus priority measures and enhanced cycle and pedestrian routes. However, it is sensible to consider what more can potentially be done in the longer term, including the part that a rail-based solution could possibly play.”

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates thanks to our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

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

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates thanks to our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

After three years of planning, teams from Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council and Network Rail fitted two new railway underpasses on the Chiltern main line during a 100-hour window over the Easter period. If the project had not met its deadline, the organisations would have had to wait another five to 10 years for the next opportunity to carry out to work, due to the heavy demands on the Network Rail calendar.

Owen Jenkins, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Growth and Economy, said: “This successful operation was due to the extraordinary cooperation between the councils and Network Rail and its contractors. It is a testament to the hard work over the four days when the underbridges were put in place, as well as the high level of planning and collaborative work in the three years beforehand, covering the conception, design and pre-construction phases.”

The underbridges were inserted underneath the Marylebone/Aynho line north-west of Bicester between 2 - 5 April, during the East bank holiday weekend. The structures had been built off-site between October 2020 and March 2021, ready to be installed.

The railway line was closed to allow for 21,000 tonnes of earth to be moved to make way for the underpasses. The teams removed and replaced 400 metres of railway track, and then drove the two new underpasses under the railway bridge with a huge transporter.

Dave Penney, Network Rail’s Central Route Director, said: “This £12.3 million investment in Bicester to create two new routes under the railway will not only benefit the flow of people and traffic, but also help both council’s regeneration vision. It’s a great example of how the rail industry can work in partnership with local authorities to unlock opportunities and growth for communities.”

The new structures will connect areas of the garden town, which were previously cut off from each other by the railway line, and help open up the Eco-Town area of Bicester, including enabling the creation of up to 6,000 new homes and new community and recreational facilities. The steel underbridge will accommodate the planned realignment of the A4095, while the underpass will connect the new development for cyclists and pedestrians.

Robert Jolley, Assistant Director for Growth and Economy at Cherwell District Council, said: “This has been a key project for the development of Bicester Garden Town, and is an extraordinary example of multi-agency working bringing significant key players together with a clear, common purpose. It has also involved the productive use of both the growth deal and other funding, to deliver large-scale positive changes for our communities.

“Working with partners, we have unlocked important land to the north-west of Bicester, creating accessible walking and cycling routes for our future residents to enjoy.”

The project, which was on time and on budget while sticking to a strict COVID-19 risk strategy, provides upgraded rail track which will improve future journeys between London Marylebone and the Midlands. The work also involved the county council’s specialist consultant Stantec, Network Rail’s framework contractor Story Ltd and Homes England.

The development of East West Rail (EWR), linking Oxford with Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford, will mean trains passing more frequently through Bicester’s London Road level crossing – drastically reducing the amount of time the level crossing will be open to vehicles. The barriers could be down for up to 50 minutes in every hour.

In its consultation document ‘Making meaningful connections’, East West Railway Company (EWR Co) said: “We appreciate that increased closure of the level crossing would be very disruptive to all those using London Road, the surrounding area, and could potentially affect those living, working and visiting Bicester. That’s why we are investigating a number of options to improve access across the railway.”

This is the first consultation on the future of London Road level crossing since EWR Co became responsible for developing the whole railway. Before that, a government inspector overseeing the first two phases of the work, concluded that these stages would not trigger the need for a solution to the London Road level crossing issue.

EWR Co is seeking public feedback, through a non-statutory consultation, on the six options it is considering:

1. An accessible bridge for non-motorised users
2. A road underpass at London Road
3. A road bridge at London Road
4. A road underpass alongside London Road
5. A road bridge alongside London Road
6. Alternative road crossing locations

Eric Owens, Oxfordshire County Council’s Assistant Director for Growth and Place, said: “It is vital that people have their say on what they want to happen with the level crossing so that EWR Company’s decision is as informed as it can be.”

As part of the consultation, there will be an online public event organised by EWR Co on Friday 14 May from 11am - 12 noon to look at issues raised by the Oxford-Bicester stretch, including the London Road crossing. People are invited to join the meeting online on the day.

They are also holding a number of public live chats events throughout the consultation, including on Saturdays and in the evenings. You can find more information about these sessions at the bottom of the consultation site.

In addition, you can contact EWR Co at any point throughout the consultation by emailing contact@eastwestrail.co.uk or calling 0330 1340067.

How to respond to this consultation

• A full list of consultation documents and the feedback form can be found on the East West Rail website: www.eastwestrail.co.uk
• The closing date for responses is 9 June. Comments need to reach EWR Co. on or before this date.
• People can share their views using the online feedback form which can be found at www.eastwestrail.co.uk/feedback
• Alternatively, the feedback form can be downloaded from the EWR website, and people can then post it to Freepost EAST WEST RAIL or email it to consultation@eastwestrail.co.uk
• The EWR Co telephone line will be available throughout the consultation period to enable those not wanting or not able to engage online or in writing, to speak to members of the EWR project team. The telephone number is 0330 134 0067.

When EWR Co was created in 2018, it was given some specific challenges by the secretary of state for transport, including looking at the work already under way between Oxford and Bedford, to seek improvements in delivery, and properly integrate the different sections of the project to get the best results for all communities right the way from Oxford to Cambridge. 

In January this year, EWR Co was handed over the work already done by Network Rail, the Department for Transport and the East West Rail Alliance between Oxford and Bletchley, and following further development activity have presented a number of proposals to ensure EWR can deliver a full service along the whole route.

The work is part of the first phase of the A4095 road realignment project, which will see two structures built to enable access both over and under the railway, connecting two sides of a new area of housing in north-west Bicester.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “This scheme will help deliver positive impacts on the lives of local people of a growing community. It will allow people in this area of Bicester to adopt environmentally responsible forms of travel with options and infrastructure to enable cycling and walking. Our goal is to offer infrastructure which combines benefits of active travel with reducing congestion.”

As well as the new underbridge, there will be a separate pedestrian underpass further to the north. The work involves building a steel bridge under the railway and a separate concrete underpass further north under the line. The completion of both structures will enable the building of the newly aligned A4095 road.

The completion of both structures will contribute to one of the scheme’s overall aims – to reduce traffic through Bicester town centre. It will also improve road safety, support better public transport and encourage new and existing residents to use more sustainable transport with enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes, which are all key elements of Bicester garden town.

The underpass will allow a new bridleway to connect the two sides of the proposed development site allowing for better connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians. The scheme will also unlock land to enable housing development and associated community facilities to the north-west of the garden town and support healthy new town principles.

The work is being delivered by Network Rail along with Story Contracting. The new infrastructure has been designed by Stantec and is being funded by Homes England and the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal.

Work on the underbridge bridge will go ahead this Easter between 2 April and 5 April over a 101 hour period to keep rail disruption to the absolute minimum. There will be some movement of goods vehicles around the area of construction to the south of Bucknell Road and west of Howes Lane but no road closures are expected. 

The railway between Bicester North and Banbury will be closed while the structures are installed under the railway. From 23:59 on Thursday the 1 April until 06:00 on Tuesday 6 April, trains to London Marylebone will be diverted via Oxford and a replacement bus service will run between Bicester North and Banbury, calling at Kings Sutton. Those travelling by train over the Easter weekend are advised to leave more time to travel and to check their journey with their train operator or on the National Rail website.

In October, work will start on the first phase of the Bicester A4095 road realignment scheme. The work, funded by Homes England and the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal, is designed to address expected congestion between Howes Lane (A4095) and Bucknall Road, ensuring road capacity keeps pace with the housing and economic development in and around Bicester.

The new road realignment will also help to support the North West Bicester eco-town development, delivering up to 6000 much needed new homes and related community infrastructure.

The scheme has been helped with £23.5 million of funds from the £150 million Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal the Oxfordshire Growth Board agreed with the Government to accelerate the building of already planned housing that requires infrastructure investment to bring them forward.

The first phase of the work will be a bridge under the railway (a rail underbridge) to accommodate the realigned Howes Lane together with a separate underpass through the railway embankment at Bicester. The underpass will open a new route for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, eliminating the current obstacle of the railway embankment.

The building of both the underbridge and underpass beneath a live railway, the twin track NAJ2 Marylebone to Aynho line, is a specialist and challenging engineering project. This has been achieved through the close and collaborative working, for over a year, on design and delivery of the scheme by key partners of Oxfordshire County Council including Network Rail, Cherwell District Council, adjoining landowners and utility firm Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

A brief railway closure over the Easter period of 2021 has been agreed with Network Rail to allow safe insertion of the steel underbridge while minimising disruption to the public.

The work is due for completion by July 2021. Both bridges will deliver the first phase of the A4095 realignment to be followed by the roadworks to complete the scheme; reducing local traffic congestion, improving connectivity and supporting the goal to open the Bicester eco-town and its promise of 6,000 new homes.

Cllr Yvonne Constance, Cabinet member for Environment said:

“Investment in better infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians along with real sustainable travel options is a vital part of our growth strategy. New homes are much needed in Oxfordshire but only in locations where they can be built with sustainable supporting infrastructure.

This work along the A4095 will allow Bicester to grow with real active travel options for future residents to enable it to be healthy and sustainable community.”

Cllr Lynn Pratt, lead member for economy, regeneration and property at Cherwell District Council said:

“The realignment of Howes Lane, and associated improvements for walkers and cyclists have only been possible because of extensive collaboration between Cherwell, Oxfordshire County Council, Network Rail, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and local landowners.

“Delivering this new infrastructure will not only ease congestion in the area but also unlock a vital parcel of land in north west Bicester, enabling the provision of 6,000 homes under the Garden Town scheme.”

The Task Force brings together the five county councils and Local Enterprise Partnerships covering the 86-mile route between Hereford, Worcester and Oxford, together with the Cotswold Line Promotion Group, and is attended by Network Rail and the Great Western Railway.

In January 2020, the Task Force submitted its case to government for a doubled two trains per hour North Cotswold Line service between Worcestershire, Oxford and London and this is now being assessed by the Department for Transport and Network Rail. In parallel, the Task Force set out its aspirations for additional local trains as a metro-style service between Hanborough and Oxford to support West Oxfordshire housing growth, the visitor economy and to encourage a shift from road to rail for journeys to Oxford or London.

The Sub-Group will develop the case for these local services, plans for expanded passenger facilities at Hanborough Station, and engage with local stakeholders and communities.

Ian Hudspeth said “The Task Force’s proposals for the North Cotswold Line will make the rail offer more attractive to West Oxfordshire people. I am delighted the Sub-Group will bring us and the rail industry together to plan ahead for a bigger and better role for Hanborough Station.”

James Mills said “West Oxfordshire is growing and vibrant. More frequent rail services and an enhanced Hanborough Station will help us to grow sustainably, take pressure off our road network, and support our vital visitor sector including the Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site.”

Tom Pierpoint, Commercial Development Director at Great Western Railway said: “It is clear that there will be a key role for rail to support the local and regional economy as we emerge from the challenges of the last couple of months. We look forward to working with the Task Force to develop proposals for Hanborough Station that match the ambition of the people and businesses of Oxfordshire."

The news comes after the Secretary of State for Transport approved Network Rail’s Transport and Works Act Order application, granting permission for work to begin on the next phase of East West Rail.

Work can soon begin on Phase 2 of East-West Rail after central government granted planning powers – which will mean services to Bicester, Oxford Parkway and Oxford double with services running every 15 minutes.

The new route will also help reduce traffic on the A34 as some journeys will become more practical to take the train rather than use the roads.

The Government’s milestone decision means that Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District can now play a key part in the project in terms of putting the required highways and planning consents in place to deliver this key infrastructure work.

This will enable vital work to be undertaken including the removal of the level crossing at Charbridge Lane in Bicester to be replaced by a bridge over the railway. Details of the work involved will be notified in due course and both Oxfordshire County and Cherwell District councils will continue to play their parts in the East West Rail Consortium on the detail of programmed works, to minimise disruption to residents, particularly in the Bicester area.

The first phase between Oxford and Bicester delivered in 2016 enabled new train services between Oxford and London Marylebone via Bicester, with Phase 2 enabling new services to Milton Keynes and Bedford by 2024. A decision on the preferred central section route to enable delivery of the final phase between Bedford and Cambridge was made at the end of January, and it is expected that construction on this section could start by 2025 with trains running by the late 2020s.

Cllr Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment at Oxfordshire County Council said: “Infrastructure development is key to developing the immense potential of England’s Economic Heartland from Oxfordshire, to central England and beyond to East Anglia. The announcement on Phase 2 of the western section is a major milestone towards delivery of the full East West Rail project. It will also play an important role in helping to reduce road congestion along the A34 and other strategic roads.”

Further information:

East West Rail phase 2 is part of the wider East West Rail proposal to connect Cambridge to Oxford.

The Western Section (phase 1), which operates services between Oxford and Bicester was completed in December 2016.

The Western Section (phase 2) proposes to extend services from Oxford to Bedford and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury.

The Central Section (phase 3) will see the full reconnection from Cambridge to Oxford, and the proposal is currently in development.

Alongside Oxfordshire Growth Board partners, the County Council recently completed Stage 1 of the Oxfordshire Rail Connectivity Study. This identifies an opportunity for new services to operate through to Didcot, allowing for direct services between Bicester and Didcot for the first time in history. The council will continue to work in partnership on this with others, including through the East West Rail Consortium and England’s Economic Heartland, the sub-national transport body for the area between Swindon and Cambridge.

The new footpath runs along Chiltern approach from Buckingham Road to the station car park access and cost £6,700.

The work was done by contractors working for Oxfordshire County Council using Section 106 development money and took 3 days to finish.

East West Rail will eventually connect Oxford in the west with Cambridge in the east, a ‘corridor’ running across the south of England which experts believe could become the UK’s answer to Silicon Valley. It will improve rail journeys for potentially millions of passengers by opening up new routes for regional and cross-country travel and reduce the need to go into London for onward connections.

It is being supported by the East West Rail Consortium, an alliance of councils including Oxfordshire County Council.

Network Rail is a holding a consultation on the section between Bicester Village and Bedford, including a spur between Princes Risborough and Milton Keynes via Aylesbury (known as the Western Section Phase Two) which began on June 30 and runs until August 11.

Public exhibition dates

• Bicester (July 10, 12-8pm, John Paul II Centre, Henley House)
• Launton (July 13, 12-8pm, Sports and Social Club, Bicester Road)

This part of the scheme will use existing rail lines, some of which have become freight only or, in other areas, have been mothballed. Trains should be running by the mid-2020s at the latest.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment at Oxfordshire County Council whose portfolio includes strategic rail said:

“East West Rail is a once in a generation opportunity to secure a huge step in connectivity within Oxfordshire and across the whole Oxfordshire to Cambridgeshire area. It is a key part of the Government’s investment plan for the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor, and the new infrastructure and rail services it provides would bring more frequent services in Oxfordshire directly connecting Bicester, Oxford and Didcot. This will in turn help reduce pressure on our busy road network, especially the A34.

“With phase 1 of the scheme between Oxford, Bicester and London already open and very successful, the consultation sets out what is proposed for Phase 2, to reopen the railway between Bicester and Milton Keynes/Bedford, along with a route down to Aylesbury. This in turn would link to the next section, the new route on to Cambridge. We encourage everyone in Oxfordshire to take a look at what is proposed and respond to the consultation before 11 August.”

Councillor Mark Shaw, chairman of the Joint Delivery Board for the Western Section, said: “East West Rail is about so much more than upgrading old bits of track to take on new passenger and freight services. It is an essential piece of infrastructure which will unlock the region’s huge economic potential and support planned housing growth - that’s why it has the support of the councils which sit along its route. We continue to lobby for it to be completed as soon as possible.

“However, I recognise that people who live near to the route may have questions about how East West Rail’s construction and new services could affect them. That’s why I’m encouraging as many people as possible to go along to the public exhibitions and speak directly to the engineers, planners, environmental experts and property specialists involved in the scheme. Residents can also submit their views to Network Rail’s consultation, so please, make your voice heard.”

Phase One of the Western Section, a link between Oxford, Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village, was completed last year. The Central Section, between Bedford and Cambridge, is the most challenging part of the scheme as much of the old railway has been built over. A route via Sandy has been identified as the ‘preferred corridor’ for a new line and work on this continues. Work is also continuing assessing ways the existing connections between Cambridge and Norwich and Ipswich in the Eastern Section can be improved.

Following a study of the region by the National Infrastructure Commission, its deputy chair, Sir John Armitt, said: "the corridor connecting Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford could be Britain’s Silicon Valley – a globally recognised centre for science, technology and innovation".

To take part in the consultation log on to ewrconsultation.co.uk. The consortium’s website is www.eastwestrail.org.uk

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council which co-founded England’s Economic Heartland Strategic Alliance said:

“We strongly welcome the publication of today's interim report from the National Infrastructure Commission which acknowledges the vast economic potential of the corridor connecting Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford, comparable to Silicon Valley. We share the Commission’s view that England’s Economic Heartland is a national asset, one whose economic success is central to the future of the UK economy.

“As co-founder of England’s Economic Heartland Strategic Alliance, Oxfordshire County Council is delighted that the Commission is encouraged by the Alliance’s work on strategic transport to date and agrees with our view that the full potential of East West Rail and the Expressway cannot be realised without investment in its wider road and rail network.

“We have long argued that East West Rail and the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway, can be a catalyst to bring the region together to deliver the housing that is required in the region as well as the connectivity it will need to compete with the best in the world and welcome the Commission highlighting this in their report today.

“We remain committed to taking an integrated strategic approach to transport and infrastructure planning to secure the area’s future success.”

Corridor could be Britain’s Silicon Valley

Releasing the report, National Infrastructure Commission Deputy Chair, Sir John Armitt said,

“To succeed in the global economy, the UK must build on its strengths. The corridor connecting Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford could be Britain’s Silicon Valley – a globally recognised centre for science, technology and innovation. But its future success is not guaranteed.

“Transport links across the corridor are often slow, unreliable and congested, and the area is home to two of the least affordable cities in the UK, in part because it has consistently failed to build the homes it needs. These twin problems are already increasing costs for businesses and diminishing their ability to attract employees at all levels – including the recruitment and retention of globally mobile talent.

“This area can become greater than the sum of its parts with better strategic planning which radically improves its transport connectivity whilst securing the tens of thousands of new homes it so desperately needs. This is a once in a generation opportunity – we must grab it with both hands.”