Network Rail will not reopen Botley Road early despite completion

Gas network company SGN confirmed it had repaired three minor gas leaks and left the site on Monday, August 3, six days earlier than expected.

The leaks were discovered during excavation works last month and contributed to the pushing back of the road’s reopening date, yet again, to September 20.

The completion of the gas mains replacement marked a significant step forward in the wider Oxford Station improvement project, which was originally budgeted at £161 million but is now expected to cost at least £237 million.

The development prompted hopes that Botley Road, closed beneath the rail bridge since April 2023, could reopen earlier than planned.

However, Network Rail has moved to manage expectations, saying the project remains on course to meet its existing target date rather than finish ahead of schedule.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that SGN has completed its gas mains replacement work.

“While this is an important milestone, it doesn’t necessarily mean the overall project will finish early as some remaining work is dependent on access to the railway, which we have had to rearrange to enable the replacement of the gas main.

“Our focus remains on meeting our planned deadline of 20 September for reopening Botley Road to traffic.”

While the completion of the gas works removes one of the most recent obstacles facing the scheme, Network Rail says further work under the bridge and around the station is still needed before the route can reopen to traffic.