Oxford Botley Road folk warned of night-time work disruption
For the next two weeks, Network Rail will work extended hours as part of its long-running £161 million project to improve Oxford's railway station.
It could mean more sleepless nights for residents who have endured months of disruption since Botley Road was closed for the work in April.
In a letter to neighbours, dated from Tuesday (January 2), Network Rail said it would “make every effort to keep noise to a minimum” overnight.
The company’s community relations manager, Tamison Painter, explained that work is starting on a new platform to the western side of the station, along Roger Dudman Way.
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More information below 👇https://t.co/qOq8ZlGF9x[2]
— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) December 7, 2023[3]For safety reasons, work can only take place at night when trains are not running, she said, allowing workers to install safety hoarding and lighting along the length of the platform.
Further night-work will take place from the middle of January, she warned, as workers carry out ground investigation work “at a number of different locations”.
Susanna Pressel said she felt sorry for residents in Botley Road as night-work is set to begin (Image: Newsquest)
The decision by Network Rail has been criticised by councillor Susanna Pressel, who represents the Osney and St Thomas ward on Oxford[4] City Council.
She said: “I feel very sorry for local residents who have already had months of noisy work, including at night.
“I hope that the new hoarding will at least be an acoustic barrier, which would reduce the noise.
"I have asked Network Rail if they can do this.”
The working hours of the Botley Road project were extended in September to gain back time after the discovery of an historic bridge under the road.
The company was allowed to extend working shifts by the city council.
Work on Oxford railway station will see a new platform built near Roger Dudman Way (Image: Ed Nix, Oxford Mail)
The latest letter from Network Rail reads: “As you are probably aware, our plans to expand the train station involve building a new platform on the western side along Roger Dudman Way.
“We are writing to let you know that we are starting work on site this week.
“Firstly, we need to install safety hoarding and lighting along length of platform, similar to what has already been installed along Roger Dudman Way.
“As we will be next to the railway, for safety reasons we can only work when trains aren’t running.
“Unfortunately this means that for next two weeks we will be working near you during the night.
“Then from middle of January, we will be doing ground investigation work at a number of different locations.
“Again, due to proximity of railway, some of the work needs to be done at night, with the rest being done during the day.
“We will make every effort to keep noise to a minimum, but we’re sorry if we disturb you.”
References
- ^ 'No public apology, no fine, nothing': Uproar over Environment Agency's bridge damage (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ https://t.co/qOq8ZlGF9x (t.co)
- ^ December 7, 2023 (twitter.com)
- ^ Oxford (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ Banbury 'attempted murder' arrest as man remains in hospital (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)