Network Rail: Botley Road to remain closed for an extra year until October 2024
An important Oxford road will remain closed until October 2024 despite plans to initially reopen it this year. Network Rail has announced that Botley Road will continue to be shut to traffic due to significant delays to work on the city’s train station.
The road is closed while Network Rail upgrades Oxford[1] Rail Station, as well as the railway and the surrounding road network. However, Network Rail has said that the upgrades have proved “incredibly challenging”, despite work moving to 24-hour shifts in August.
The work, which costs £161m, had to be paused in June after contractors discovered an inverted brick arch. In July, a World War II[2] hand grenade was discovered in the work site, which meant that a nearby area had to be evacuated.
A tweet from Network Rail confirmed the work that had been delayed, including “Digging out to divert pipes & cables needed extra planning”. Water management also proved an issue for the company.
Dale Crutcher, Network Rail’s industry programme director for Greater Oxford, said: “This project is extremely complex and has been made even more challenging by the extent of the brick arch underneath the road[4]. We’ve explored a number of options to deliver the works which included moving to working around the clock, but unfortunately with needing the infrastructure to be ready by the end of next year we have no choice but to keep the road closed until October 2024.
“I understand this will be disappointing for residents and businesses, and I’m sorry for the disruption this will cause. Engagement with stakeholders will continue with the next local community drop-in at West Oxford Community Centre on Wednesday 27 September between 2.30pm and 6.00pm, where members of the project team will be available to answer your questions.”
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s[5] Cabinet Member for Highways Management said: “Obviously it is disappointing that Botley Road will remain closed for longer than expected but there was no alternative due to the difficulties faced by Network Rail in this complex project.
“We continue to thank residents, commuters and businesses who have been affected by this work for their patience and understanding. As the highway authority, we will continue to work with Network Rail and other partners and discharge our duty to manage the highways network effectively.”
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References
- ^ Oxford (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ World War II (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Roadworks in Oxfordshire to avoid this week (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ road (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Oxfordshire County Council’s (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ press here to sign up (www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk)