Oxford – Botley Road scheduled reopening delayed

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

Now rail infrastructure bosses have indicated there will be an additional delay of four to six weeks.

READ MORE: New walkway paves the way for Botley Road announcement

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.

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

Network Rail announced this evening that the latest delay has resulted from minor gas leaks being discovered during excavation work.

It said in a statement: “The reopening of Botley Road was planned for the end of August when the programme was reviewed and amended in January 2025 to prioritise the reopening of the road to traffic.

“Recently, 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 has not been 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.”

It added: “SGN’s work is essential to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to homes, businesses and the local community.

“The work will likely take around four-six weeks, and Network Rail is working closely with SGN to confirm a new reopening date for the road.

“Network Rail and SGN are working collaboratively to integrate their programmes, and a further update will be provided as soon as possible.

Last week, the new Southern walkway under Botley Road bridge was opened to pedestrians walking from Botley Road to Frideswide Square.

The new Botley Road walkway (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Tim Walden, Network Rail Great Western Route’s capital delivery director, said: “We know this news will be deeply disappointing for residents, businesses and everyone who relies on Botley Road, and we’re very sorry for the continued disruption and uncertainty this will cause.

“Our teams, across SGN and Network Rail, are working as hard as possible to complete the remaining work and minimise delays, while keeping the community informed with regular updates.

“We expect the additional work to take around four to six weeks and are currently working on a plan so we can confirm the timings as quickly as possible.”

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran is now writing to the Transport Secretary to complain about the additional delay.

She said: “Weeks’ more delay is calamitous and catastrophic for local residents and businesses. Time and again we have seen the goalposts move and promises broken.

“I am demanding a full explanation from the Secretary of State as to why these issues were not identified earlier, when those responsible first became aware of them, and why assurances about reopening have once again proven unreliable.

“I already had serious questions about oversight, project management, risk identification and accountability. This latest delay only makes me more determined to get answers for long-suffering residents.”

The Liberal Democrat MP has lobbied both Network Rail and the Government to speed up the project.

In January 2025, rail minister Lord Hendy visited the site, described the delays as “unacceptable” and said he could “assure residents and businesses that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Green city councillor Lois Muddiman, who represents Osney and St Thomas ward, said: “I’m really sorry that everyone who is badly affected by the road closure, the residents and businesses who have had to deal with all the disruption, noise, over-night working, loss of business and lack of buses into Oxford, will have to endure this for even longer, into the autumn.”

Community campaigner Julian Le Vay, who lives off Botley Road, said the latest delay was “unbelievable”.

“I make it the ninth change of deadline, although it’s hard to keep track,” he added.

Botley Road delays: a timeline

• April 11, 2023: Botley Road closed at the rail bridge for the Oxford station upgrade. The scheme was originally meant to run in phases, with a break in the closure later in the year

• Later in 2023: Network Rail dropped the planned six-month pause after encountering unexpected complications, including a Victorian-era arch beneath the Botley Road, close to the rail bridge, and it was estimated the closure would run until October 2024

• July 2024: It was announced the October 2024 reopening would not be met

• January 2025: A new programme set the reopening for the end of August 2026

• February 2026: A new rail bridge is successfully installed, a major element of the infrastructure project. However, it emerges that some HGVs will not fit under the new bridge.

 . July 2026: The August 31 deadline for reopening the road is cancelled, and Network Rail announces a further delay.