Residents will receive an update on the Botley Road railway bridge project through a newly selected location as part of Network Rail’s £237m railway station improvement program.

The route was shut at the railway bridge on April 11, 2023, with initial expectations of a closure lasting several months rather than multiple years.

However, the initiative has experienced multiple setbacks, causing expenses to climb accordingly.

The road is now anticipated to reopen at the railway bridge during August.

Network Rail representatives have arranged consistent sessions to keep the local community informed about the construction progress.

Previously, these sessions occurred at either the King’s Centre in Osney Mead or the West Oxford Community Centre on Botley Road.

Since neither location has availability for the May gathering, the session will instead take place at The Community Works, a community center adjacent to Lula’s cafe in Frideswide Square.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, from 5pm until 6pm.

City and county councillor Susanna Pressel mentioned that some locals had reservations about Lula’s as a meeting location.

She stated: “The meeting space at Community Works, located behind Lula’s, was selected because no rooms were available at West Oxford Community Centre whatsoever.

Some individuals did raise objections to this choice. They mentioned they couldn’t walk such a distance from the bus stop.

Network Rail indicated they’d be willing to organize a separate briefing for those unable to attend.

I believe the back room at Lula’s might serve as a worthwhile alternative venue, since many residents on the eastern side are significantly affected by this prolonged closure.

I’ll propose a hybrid format, enabling remote participation for those who prefer it.”

A Network Rail spokesperson noted that the session at The Community Works would likely be a single occurrence, as residents favor West Oxford Community Centre as a venue.

Botley Road was originally planned to temporarily reopen at the bridge between October 2023 and March 2024, but complications led Network Rail to extend the closure through October 2024.

In 2024, Network Rail disclosed additional delays due to unexpected project intricacy, including the uncovering of a Victorian arch beneath Botley Road near the railway bridge.

A new railway bridge was positioned in February to enhance capacity, and plans now include a western station entrance and platform five, though full Department for Transport funding approval remains pending.