Network Rail leadership revealed on Thursday that Botley Road in Oxford is set to welcome vehicles back on Sunday, September 20.
The date for Botley Road’s return to operation had been pushed back to the end of August following a programme assessment carried out in January 2025, which was required due to ongoing setbacks.
The highway was sealed off at the railway bridge in April 2023 for tasks connected to a substantial enhancement of Oxford railway station, with an initial target reopening of August 31 this year.
Last Wednesday, officials confirmed the road would miss the August 31 deadline and face an additional delay lasting a period of four to six weeks after gas escapes were detected.
The initiative has experienced multiple postponements throughout its duration, creating difficulties for commercial enterprises and local inhabitants.
During recent groundwork associated with drainage for the updated road configuration, three small gas escapes emerged on a section of the gas infrastructure operated by SGN.
Prioritising safety and to prevent inconvenient remedial work later, Network Rail consented to incorporate SGN’s crucial programme to renew a portion of the gas infrastructure under Botley Road, running concurrently with the final construction tasks.
Following this development, Network Rail and SGN have coordinated closely to merge their schedules, with SGN’s component anticipated to conclude on Saturday, August 8.
Network Rail’s workforce will subsequently finish the outstanding tasks as swiftly as feasible.
Tim Walden, Network Rail Great Western Route’s capital delivery director, explained that the extended closure of Botley Road has considerably affected residents, businesses and all who use this thoroughfare, and he wished to repeat apologies for the added inconvenience this has created. He added that although significant work remains, they now have a definite goal for reopening and their staff continue concentrating on finishing the remaining programme securely and restoring Botley Road access promptly.
Repair expenses for Botley Road have expanded from £161m to £237m and it is believed the western entrance scheme has not yet received complete cost approval.
The road was sealed off at the railway bridge on April 11, 2023 and originally the restriction was anticipated to persist for just 12 months, rather than approximately three-and-a-half years.
A replacement railway bridge was positioned in February and a fresh southern footpath is now operational, connecting Frideswide Square with Botley Road.
A further statement may now emerge from Network Rail concerning proposals to modernise Oxford station, encompassing a suggestion for a fresh western entrance and additional platform five to strengthen East West Rail connections.
John Howson, a former county councillor residing close to the railway station, previously said that Network Rail’s confirmation of Botley Road’s reopening date would be a disappointing outcome drawing sardonic applause from locals and traders.
He continued that the scheme focused on the station, with the road being lowered simply as a prerequisite. He noted that they now have a sunken road, the groundwork for later development, yet no western entrance nor Platform 5, approximately six years after Network Rail submitted its planning application.