Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, is set to visit Oxford on Friday 13 June to meet residents and local businesses and provide an update on the multi-million-pound Oxford Station Enhancement project — a major scheme aimed at upgrading Oxford station and improving transport links to the city.
The visit follows a commitment made in January after Network Rail announced a revised timeline for reopening Botley Road, now scheduled for August 2026.
The delay and changes came after the discovery of unforeseen engineering challenges, including a much larger Victorian brick arch than originally documented and complications arising from the proximity of sewerage and clean water systems, which meant key work could not proceed simultaneously as planned.
Read more: Network rail announces revised Botley Road closure dates
As part of the project, Botley Road has been closed to traffic, causing disruption to residents, commuters, and local businesses. In response to ongoing concerns, Network Rail has introduced a series of measures to help ease the impact.
These include the free Botley Flyer bus service operating five days a week, enhanced pedestrian tunnel safety with 24/7 security marshals, improved lighting and CCTV, accessibility upgrades, and increased support for local businesses through promotion and direct engagement.
During his visit, Mr Haines and the project team will provide the latest updates on progress, including the introduction of a significantly expanded pedestrian and cyclist walkway set to open this summer. This new path will be nearly four times larger than the previous one, offering safer and more convenient access to the city as construction continues.
The upgrade will also include the installation of a state-of-the-art flood defence system designed to protect the area from groundwater and surface water flooding, featuring deep concrete layers and modern pumping stations.
The programme revision came after extensive collaboration between Network Rail, its contractors, the Department for Transport, local authorities, and community stakeholders, with feedback from residents and businesses playing a key role in shaping the plans.
Back in January, Lord Peter Hendy, Rail Minister, acknowledged the frustration caused by delays and stressed the importance of a robust completion plan, saying: “The continuing works surrounding Botley Road are frustrating, and the delays are unacceptable, which is why I wanted to hear firsthand from all those affected…I’m pleased they have acted and I can assure residents and businesses that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
The upcoming event will take place at the Said Business School on Park End Street, Oxford, and will be ticketed to ensure capacity limits are respected. Booking details will be provided in next week’s newsletter. This meeting will replace the usual monthly update session previously held at the King’s Centre.
The project will enable more train services to run through Oxford, improve the station environment, and deliver enhanced accessibility, with wider pedestrian paths and dedicated cycleways away from traffic.
Residents, businesses, and passengers can continue to provide feedback via the dedicated email address OxfordFeedback@networkrail.co.uk as work progresses.
