Oxford’s Botley Road to re-open in August 2026 says Network Rail

Lord Hendy, Network Rail's CEO Sir Andrew Haines and senior company representatives joined Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran at a public information event today to outline the new plans and provide updates for residents and businesses.

Lord Hendy said he had wanted to hear "first-hand" from those affected.

"I tasked Network Rail with producing a robust plan for its completion, which included additional measures to minimise and mitigate disruption as much as possible while still allowing this work to progress," he said.

"I'm pleased they have acted and I can assure residents and businesses that there is light at the end of the tunnel."

His visit follows a meeting[1] with Moran in December.

At the time, she was assured the project would be completed but the due date would not be known until January.

Speaking after the announcement, she said the community "has lost all faith in Network Rail to deliver this project" and that it was now "vital" for the company to stick to the new timetable.

Susan Brown, Labour leader of Oxford City Council, called the further delay "bitterly disappointing for residents and businesses in Oxford".

"I welcome Lord Hendy's active involvement in driving things towards a resolution," she said.

"I asked for improvements in access to the west of the station, better stewarding of the pedestrian tunnel, an issue I have raised on a number of occasions, and in light of previous broken promises on timelines, was clear over the importance of keeping to the latest opening date."

She added that the redevelopment was "essential" that would bring "real long-term benefits to the city".

"Without it, proposals to reopen the Cowley Branch Line to passengers or increase the capacity on East-West rail services will not be feasible."

A round-table meeting, including Moran, Labour MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds, councillors from Oxford City, Oxfordshire County and Vale of White Horse Councils was also held today.

References

1. ^ follows a meeting (www.bbc.co.uk)