Botley Road reopening date announcement from Network Rail

The road was shut at the rail bridge in April 2023 for work linked to a major upgrade of Oxford rail station, and was due to reopen on August 31.

On Wednesday it was announced that the road would not be ready to reopen on August 31 and that there would be a further delays of four to six weeks after gas leaks were discovered.

READ MORE: Botley Road reopening is delayed

Network Rail has apologised for the latest delay, and said it is expecting to provide a new date for reopening on Wednesday.

A spokesman said: “We’re sorry that we will not be able to reopen Botley Road by the end of August as planned.

“We know this news will be deeply disappointing for residents, businesses and everyone who relies on Botley Road.

“We are working closely with SGN to coordinate the work needed to replace a section of gas pipe beneath the road and will confirm a new reopening date on Wednesday, July 29.

“At this stage, we expect the gas main replacement work to add around four to six weeks to the original target date of August 31.

“Once the revised date has been confirmed, we will share it with residents, local businesses and stakeholders.”

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.

The Botley Road rail bridge (Image: Contributed)

If the reopening is delayed by six weeks after August 31, Botley Road could reopen as late as October 12.

In January 2025, following a series of delays to the project, rail minister Lord Hendy announced a new programme, which set the reopening for the end of August 2026.