Update on when Botley Road footbridge will be removed
The footbridge provided a useful route for pedestrians to the station entrance from the opposite side of the road. It has been in place for many years and was due to be removed by the rail company's contractors but the work was postponed due to Storm Darragh. READ MORE: Shocking footage shows dog owner attacking puppy [1]
Now Network Rail has announced the work will take place this weekend instead, as part of the ongoing GBP161m scheme to improve Oxford station. No date has been given for the replacement of the footbridge, which has already been fenced off. 
"Removing it allows work to begin on preparing the area for full replacement of the rail bridge, plus other improvements to the area." The spokesman added: "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 on Sunday morning when trains have stopped running.
READ MORE: School league tables reveal best secondary schools [2] "While we're working above the walkway that runs under Botley Road rail bridge there will be short periods when we need to close the walkway to maintain the safety of the public. 
The walkway will not be closed for the entire duration." Marshals will be present to manage the area and direct people via the Osney Lane footbridge as an alternative route during these closures. For those who need assistance, there will be a bus service available which will run throughout that night shift, between 10pm and 8am.
The collection and drop-off points are Becket Street, by the entrance and exit to the car park, and Mill Street, by the Westgate Hotel. In preparation for the footbridge being removed, some changes have been made to the station car parks. Blue badge parking has been moved to the short stay car park, next to the station entrance and exit, up the slope from the main forecourt, near entrance to the Thatcher Business Education Centre.
As part of the station improvement scheme, Botley Road has been closed at the rail bridge since April last year. In July Network Rail said work was so behind schedule that the road would not reopen in October, as originally planned. A review of the entire project was announced, involving Network Rail and the Department for Transport.
Lord Hendy is expected to visit Oxford next month to update civic leaders on the latest plans. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe [3]
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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
- ^ READ MORE: Shocking footage shows dog owner attacking puppy (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ READ MORE: School league tables reveal best secondary schools (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ can sign up to his newsletters for free here. (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)