Oxford bridge replacement delayed by utility diversion complexities

Network Rail has been forced to delay the replacement of a bridge close to Oxford station because “highly complex” utility diversion works in the road underneath cannot be completed in time. Consequently, an 18-month closure of the road will now be extended even further.

The Botley Road bridge replacement is a key element in the multi-million-pound Oxfordshire Connect programme. It will enable the creation of a fifth platform at Oxford station and increased capacity of the railway infrastructure in the area to support the introduction of East West Rail services.

It will also result in an improved and safer local road layout so that buses cyclists and pedestrians can more easily access the city centre. 

A five-day line closure was scheduled for the end of July* to put the new bridge in place, but it has become clear that more time is needed. Botley Road has been closed since April 2023 and had been due to reopen in October this year.

Network Rail says it and its contractor, Kier, are working with the local authorities to agree the best way forward to complete the project and minimise impact on the city.

Kier and 11 different utility providers need to divert a large number of pipes and cables, including the water main and sewer before the bridge can be replaced.

Announcing the delay, NR said: “Working on this outdated maze of pipes and cables spread out below the highway, in a severely constrained space, with poor ground conditions and significant water levels, continues to make this work very challenging”.

Anna Holbrook, industry programme director at Network Rail, apologised to local residents and businesses for the delay, saying “We know how important Botley Road is to Oxford we are working out the best way forward.”

However Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, has branded the delay as “completely unacceptable” and described Network Rail’s project management as “utterly shambolic from start to finish,” adding that she has written to the new Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, requesting a meeting to discuss the impact of the continued road closure on local residents and businesses.

*There will still be a shorter two-day line closure through Oxford over the weekend 27-28 July for work on the new platform and the resignalling programme. Additional work to the north of Oxford will affect train services between Oxford and Banbury between Saturday 27 and Wednesday 31 July.