Footbridge leading to rail station being removed

A footbridge over Botley Road in west Oxford is being removed as part of a GBP161m scheme to upgrade the city's rail station. The footbridge links the station entrance with the pavement on the opposite side of the road. Work is expected to take place this weekend to remove the footbridge, and it will close from 10am today (Friday, December 6).

READ MORE: Teddy bear collection sells for 362k[1] A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "This weekend we'll be removing the footbridge over Botley Road from outside the station as work begins to prepare the area for replacing the rail bridge. (Image: Andy Ffrench) "This is scheduled to happen overnight between Saturday 7 and Sunday, December 8.

"It means the footbridge will be closed from 10am on Friday. "A crane will be used to lift the footbridge out, which will be set up in Becket Street car park. "Due to its proximity to the rail line, this can only take place after 1am when trains have stopped running."

Once the footbridge is removed, pedestrians will have to cross Frideswide Square to get to the station entrance. READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson's link to Paddington film[2] A Network Rail spokeswoman added: "A new footbridge will be installed when work is complete - a new ramp, additional lighting, and CCTV has been installed as part of the bridge replacement."

It is not yet known exactly when the new footbridge will be in place but that could coincide with the replacement of Botley Road rail bridge - a major part of the ongoing scheme. The road has been closed at the rail bridge since last April and no date has been given for when it will reopen. (Image: Andy Ffrench) Network Rail, together with the Department for Transport, is conducting a review into the entire project and has not yet said when the review will be completed.

A spokesperson said: "We understand how frustrating the closure of Botley Road is to local businesses and residents. "We are continuing to work with the Department for Transport and local authority partners as we complete a full review of the programme which is looking at what has been achieved so far, what remains to be done, plus the timescales and budget required. (Image: Andy Ffrench) "Although we know everyone wants clarity, we are taking the time to get this review right and will provide an update on timescales for the next steps of the project as soon as we're able."

Earlier this year, rail minister Lord Hendy Rail minister told city council leaders he was "acutely aware" of the disruption caused by the Botley Road closure. Businesses in the area have complained that their takings are being hit by the ongoing disruption. Fresh food store Pickle & Lime closed in September and its owners blamed the "incompetent handling" of the station scheme.

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About the author  Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. [4] He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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References

1. ^ READ MORE: Teddy bear collection sells for 362k (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
2. ^ READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson's link to Paddington film (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
3. ^ oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe  (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
4. ^ can sign up to his newsletters for free here.  (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)