‘Options considered’ to address Oxford bridge problems

Network Rail is examining options for completing heavily-delayed work on Oxford’s Botley Road, next to its station redevelopment.

The major route into the city has been closed since April 2023 for replacement of a rail bridge and improvements to the road layout.

In July, Network Rail said the road would not reopen as planned at the end of October, confirming it would remain closed “for the foreseeable future.”

Oxfordshire County Council leader Liz Leffman said then that she thought the road could remain shut for another year.

Network Rail is reviewing the £161 million project, along with the Department for Transport, the county council and contractors Kier, with a decision likely during September.

It is understood that three options are on the table:

• Complete the work as planned, with the road remaining closed as long as necessary
• Finish early work, reopen Botley Road for six months before continuing.
• Stop the work, postpone the bridge replacement and reopen the road.

The third option is considered the least likely.

The review is being carried out because costs have risen and timings have slipped.

A new water main and sewer have been installed, but replacement of the railway bridge has not happened.

Network Rail said the work was needed to deliver increased station capacity for new East West Rail services, which are due to start next year. It would also make it possible for passenger services to return to the Cowley Branch in future. It is currently a freight-only line into the BMW MINI factory.

In July programme director Anna Holbrook blamed “unique challenges,” including archaeological discoveries, leaks and a complex network of utility pipes which she said serve 60,000 homes. She added that the work represented “a generational change.”

Local businesses have complained about loss of trade, pointing out that every promised deadline has been missed.