New walkway paves the way for Botley Road new announcement

Botley Road was closed at the rail bridge in April 2023 and is expected to reopen on August 31 following repeated delays – initially the road was only expected to be shut for `12 months.

Roadworks have been taking place in Botley Road as part of a major Network Rail scheme to revamp Oxford station – so far construction work has cost an estimated £237m.

READ MORE: Countdown to Botley Road reopening

A new rail bridge was lowered into place in February and a new southern walkway opened on Friday – replacing a temporary walkway on the other side of the road.

Network Rail insiders have indicated there could be an announcement this week about the future of the project to upgrade the station, which includes plans to create a new western entrance which are not yet fully funded.

The new walkway has been welcomed by traders in Frideswide Square as its entrance is nearby and they now expect footfall to their businesses to increase.

The new walkway in Botley Road (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Chris Nash, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The opening of this new walkway is an important step forward for people travelling to and from Oxford station.

“Once the project is completed, there will be two new, wider walkways/cycleways, providing safer and more convenient routes for pedestrians, cyclists and scooter users.

“We know the Botley Road closure has had a significant impact on local residents, businesses and passengers, and we’d like to thank everyone for their continued patience while we complete this complex programme of work.

“With the project now nearing completion, we’re focused on delivering the final stages of work that will improve access through the area, support future rail services and create a better experience for everyone travelling through Oxford.”

Amanda Suliman-Bell of Rainbow & Spoon boutique (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Amanda Suliman-Bell, who runs Rainbow & Spoon boutique in Frideswide Square is among businesses welcoming the new walkway.

The new northern walkway on the station side of Botley Road is expected to open later this year.

Businesses and residents have suffered more than three and a half years of misery as a result of the road closure.

One community campaigner, Julian Le Vay, who lives off Botley Road, has estimated that the loss to businesses in the area could amount to as much as £50m.

The new walkway in Botley Road (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Labour city councillor Susanna Pressel said earlier: “There are a lot of people who are counting down the days until Botley Road reopens – local residents, local businesses, people who live out to the west – and countless other people whose lives have been disrupted by this endless project.”

Residents are looking forward the reopening of the Botley Road at the end of next month.

One said: “I am so physically and emotionally tired of getting off one bus, walking to St Aldates and catching another bus to work.”

Another added: “The thought of not having to cross five additional roads when walking after getting off a bus and also not getting stuck behind slow walkers because I’m no longer kettled in by barriers is making me giddy.”