New Date for Botley Road Reopening Announced by Network Rail

Network Rail has revealed that Botley Road will remain closed until August 2026, disappointing many locals hoping for an earlier reopening

New Date for Botley Road Reopening Announced by Network Rail
New Date for Botley Road Reopening Announced by Network Rail

Oxford: So, the news is in! Network Rail has just announced that Botley Road will stay closed until August 2026. That’s a bummer for anyone hoping to see it open sooner. The closure has been in place since April 2023 due to a big station project costing £161 million.

When Lord Hendy, the rail minister, showed up to meet with local leaders and residents, he faced a crowd of over 100 protesters. They were all asking for the road to reopen as soon as possible. But it looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer.

Network Rail is working on a new rail bridge as part of the upgrades to Oxford station. They promise that this summer, a much larger walkway will open up, making it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around. That’s a small win, right?

They’re also putting in a new flood defense system to keep rising groundwater at bay. It’s a complex project, and they’re trying to listen to feedback from the community while making these upgrades.

Lord Hendy acknowledged the frustration caused by the delays and assured everyone that they’re working on a solid plan to finish the project. He mentioned that there’s light at the end of the tunnel, which is a bit reassuring.

To help ease the pain of the closure, they’ve introduced a bus service called the Botley Flyer, which runs five days a week. Plus, they’ve improved security and added new lighting in the area to keep everyone safe.

They’re also making it easier for people with disabilities to navigate the area, with new drop-off bays and a travel assist point. It’s nice to see them considering everyone’s needs.

Network Rail is committed to keeping locals updated through newsletters and social media. They’re even welcoming feedback on how to improve things further. So, if you have ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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