Despite the horrendous weather, the Network Rail teams have been out and about continuing the preparation works around the station area.
Vlora House (located behind Station Grill)
The inside of Vlora House has been stripped out ahead of demolition. There will be machinery operating in the area during the work, so please be aware if you are in that area. We anticipate the teams will make every effort to minimise disruption.
Becket Street
Ground investigation work continues in Becket Street, with the road diversion via Hollybush Row and Osney Lane remaining in place. Work will also be continuing outside the Westgate Hotel.
YHA building
Safety hoardings are expected to be put up around the former YHA building as the teams prepare the structure for demolition.
Botley Road closure
There are no revised plans for Botley Road closure in sight just yet.
Earlier discussions with the county council led to the conclusion that there should be a 12-month closure of Botley Road to traffic for the duration of the work, which will include replacing the rail bridge over Botley Road.
Network Rail subsequently informed Oxfordshire County Council of a change in plans, resulting in a delay in the start date of Botley Road closure.
It is understood that Network Rail had concerns that its contractors would not be able to complete work to reroute utility cables in time for the scheduled rail bridge replacement.
A possible alternative scenario is for the road to be closed from March to August/September 2023 to carry out rerouting utility cables. The road will then be closed again for four to six months in the middle of 2024 for work to replace the rail bridge.
Discussions are ongoing with the Department for Transport and Oxfordshire County Council to finalise plans, and further details will be announced in the coming weeks, followed by briefings and community drop-ins to help answer any questions and concerns.
Station closure
Understandably there has been some confusion over what will happen to Oxford Train Station while the redevelopment work is carried out.
Oxford train station will continue to operate as normal until the planned temporary closure in July 2023. Tracks through the station are due to be closed between Saturday, 29 July and Sunday, 06 August 2023.
