Botley Road ‘on track’ to reopen on time after project reaches milestone

A £200m roadworks project in Oxford is on track to finish by its new deadline after reaching an important milestone.

Botley Road in Oxford has been closed since April 2023 as part of works to upgrade Oxford station, with an improved and safer road layout and more services with East West Rail, says itv.com.

The road was originally meant to reopen in October 2024 but after facing huge delays, the schedule was pushed back to be finished by August 2026, as reported in Highways News lasrt month.

Network Rail has confirmed the works have made significant progress, with the opening of a new four-metre wide walkway. It links Botley Road to Frideswide Square, meaning improved access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Cyclists will be asked to dismount while using the shared surface until next year to allow for the safety of pedestrians while work continues in the area.

Marcus Jones, Western Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re pleased to have achieved this milestone which will greatly improve access for everyone at Botley Road in Oxford.

“I’d like to thank local residents, businesses and the community for their ongoing patience and assure them that we’re on track to the new timeline we committed to earlier this year.”

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We welcome the opening of this new walkway which we trust will bring an improved experience for all users of the Botley Road while Network Rail’s work continues.”

Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader of Oxford City Council and Cabinet Member for a Zero Carbon Oxford, said:

“The new foot and cycle path is a welcome step in the Botley Road works and a reassuring sign that work is progressing on schedule.

“Not only is the new path a much-needed upgrade to the existing walkway, but it will also help to ease the flow of people in and around the area. I look forward to the second walk and cycle path opening next year.”