Grahame's pictures (4&7) show the northern abutment for the P5 span, and how it is a concrete box with the foot/cycle path through it. The one for the main span has also been slid in under the bridge. The other smaller one, on the east side, may be in place or may not yet (I've not seen a picture). I found a diagram of all three "tunnel abutments" and their piled supports (can't say if north or south) in the presentation, but can't link to it in the PDF so it is attached. They are cast on site and were/will be moved into place; the main bridge ones are quite big.

Hythe Bridge Street is one of my (many!) Oxford transport bugbears ....

Not that anything's permanent but it's been said from the start that Oxford for some reason has never been provided with a 'Permanent' station building/layout (LNWR excepted).

Also, there must be chapters written on the relationship between size/speed/capacity of lifts and their throughput. The ones at Oxford were generating queues, those at Bath seem to have become fragile, a two person limit applied and queueing for those isn't uncommon.

Oxford station's out-of-use subway for foot passengers, somewhat on the same level as the proposed west side exit... perhaps it's too constricted for the present day but it could relieve pressure on the footbridge.

Hythe Bridge *Street*, not Road.

And the West side gate is still there/available, but only to those requiring accessible onward transport, which can pick up outside the gate still.

Oxford station is stretched to the maximum on weekends these days, and that's with the 'new' gateline by platforms 1 and 2 and without the extra traffice that EWR and the proposed hourly Bristol service will bring. 

My main concern is that the footbridge and lifts won't be adequate when platform 5 opens and more trains arrive and depart from platforms 4 or 5.  I have a feeling most people will use that route rather than the new western entrance.

AFAIK there are three new spans.  A new one for the track towards platform 5, a replacement one for the current four tracks, and a third (on the up side) to provide passive provision for a future expansion of platform 1, if the main station building is replaced.

Also of course the old footpath underpass beneath the bridge is to be replaced by two pedestrial/cycle underpasses either side of the road and they will require retaining walls.

Just want to check that you didn't mean plat 4? That side is where the new span will fit, rather than the up side.

Not included in the quote - can you indicate where you have seen this info?

From 31st Jan to 9th Feb the railway lines crossing the existing Botley Road bridge will be closed. This allows the existing bridge to be removed and replaced with the three new spans. There will be c. 5 days, when access via Botley Road will be unavailable. An alternative route is proposed via the station for pedestrians and walked cycles. Consideration is being given to what provision will be given mopeds. A sub-working, working with key user groups is considering what mitigations are needed to support implementation, especially for people of reduced mobility.

Not included in the quote - can you indicate where you have seen this info?

Didcot Parkway to Oxford – Sun 1 to Sun 8 February

It also appears there is an 8 day line closure starting 31st January 2026 to replace Botley bridge deck.

Here is the tender notice.

Particular suitability
....
Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Today was a bit challenging as platform 3 was closed to allow piling work for the new Botley Road bridge.

Network Rail has just issued (26 Sept) a tender for Oxford station phase 2d.  Value £0-40m subject to funding covering
Delivery 26 Oct 2026 to 31 Dec 2028

Network Rail wishes to procure the design & implementation of the following works at Oxford Railway Station.  -
-Platform 4 & 5 Works 
-Sheepwash Bridge Works 
-Western Entrance Building Works 
-Additional design & build scope may also be included.

This procurement will be reviewed after PQQ stage for either onward continuation or termination.

These works are also subject to funding approval and participants must be aware of this aspect.

Proposed form of contract will be NEC4 NR24 terms and conditions with target cost method.

Oxford station is stretched to the maximum on weekends these days, and that's with the 'new' gateline by platforms 1 and 2 and without the extra traffice that EWR and the proposed hourly Bristol service will bring. 

My main concern is that the footbridge and lifts won't be adequate when platform 5 opens and more trains arrive and depart from platforms 4 or 5.  I have a feeling most people will use that route rather than the new western entrance.

I'm rather hoping he was standing (or sat) on a train. 

Here are some photos from yesterday; Oxford Station itself was having some trouble coping with all the traffic

Where were you standing to get that last photo?

Where were you standing to get that last photo?

That is a very old photo - the footway access runs from the left hand side now

I merely quote the BBC, ChrisB - and, as we know, they are 'up to the minute' in terms of news. 

if the 5th platform/ western station entrance isn't delivered then hasn't replacing the Botley Road bridge been a complete waste of money, certainly for rail and , given all the disruption, for Oxford itself?

Is there any point putting any more money into the railway industry, certainly in Oxfordshire, given the following:

A service pattern at Oxford that is worse than before Covid (XC , GWR and Chiltern) despite an increase in population.
Delays to running passenger trains on EWR despite the railway being open for nearly a year (alleged Union issues).
An incomplete extension to Oxford station.
An electrification scheme that is half complete.

How can the industry be stopped from continually over promising and under delivering?
As an outsider seems like the industry needs a complete shakeup.

'Intolerable' construction noise caused by overnight rail works at Botley Road, Oxford



People living near a railway station say they are being kept awake by noisy overnight works.

Botley Road in Oxford has been closed since April 2023 as part of a £161m scheme to upgrade Oxford railway station and is expected to reopen in August 2026.

Network Rail said the recent noise was partly caused by the removal of an obstruction so it could build the foundations for a new bridge and keep the project on track.

Councillor Lois Muddiman said local residents were finding the noise pollution "intolerable".

Botley Road was closed as part of Network Rail's project to expand the station and improve connectivity.

When the rail operator first outlined its plans it was expected to be shut over two six-month periods, with a six-month break in-between. But in September 2023 it announced there would be no break because works ran behind schedule. Then, last July, it said it would not reopen in October as planned.

Resident Catherine Byrne told the BBC: "I've sat on Sunday with a cup of tea in front of me and watched the liquid shaking. It's truly awful and it's worrying. We have no idea what this kind of work is doing to our houses. I am definitely, as soon as this work is finished, going to get a structural engineer round to have a look at my house."  She said she felt "absolutely furious and completely helpless".

"We complain, we argue, we get furious, we fire off emails, we complain at meetings, and nothing ever changes," she added.

The Green Party's Muddiman, representing Osney & St Thomas, said: "Anyone around the Mill Street area or the Abbey and Cripley Road area who are right up against it, the noise is just intolerable. So I've had many, many messages yesterday from residents who are just struggling to deal with it and not able to go out into their gardens because it's so loud."

Network Rail apologised for the disruption but said the work had to take place when trains were not running. It described the obstruction as a large 4m-deep (13.1ft) brick structure which was not mentioned in its records and ground surveys.

It had to be removed "as quickly as possible" so scheduled work to install new foundations into the ground could continue, it said. More of this so-called "piling work" is scheduled over the next two weekends, from 23:05 on Saturdays until 04:40 on Mondays.

Oxford City Council confirmed it had received a number of complaints from residents and that it had "requested further information on the level of noise and vibration monitored" from the work. It described it as "complex engineering" which could "only be carried out during shut-down periods agreed by Network Rail - not the council - due to the impact on national rail infrastructure".

Indicative Rail Scope

Future works to enable East West Rail. These are expected to include the provision
of new Platform 4/5 and a Western Entrance required to support increased train
services and passenger numbers.

Construction of remaining rail scope paused to allow full focus on re-opening
Botley Road as early as possible.

Works progressing well to re-phase future rail works. Key areas of focus:
• Validation of value for money following historic cost increase (associated
with Botley Road), whilst maintaining core functionality.
• Validation of programme and price ahead of securing funding.
• Increasing delivery certainty – undertaking additional surveys and
progressing key areas of design.

Indicative Schedule - Subject to funding release (originally a graphic)
2025   • Increase delivery confidence.
           • Validate scope, price and programme.
           • Secure funding.
 2026   • Construct Platform 4/5, Western Entrance and associated highways works.
 2027   • Complete Western Entrance design.
           • Onboard contractor.

Scope
Reference
project_43822

Description

Network Rail is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced architectural practice to lead the design and planning application for the redevelopment of Oxford Station and its surrounding area. This commission forms a critical part of the Oxford Station Masterplan, which aims to deliver a new vision for the station environment, supporting Oxford's growth as a national rail hub and global innovation centre.

Scope of Services:

• Masterplanning: Develop and evolve previous scheme proposals to create a new, mixed-use masterplan that maximises value, integrates operational railway requirements, and aligns with Oxford City's development and regeneration aspirations.

• Design Leadership: Act as lead architect for the masterplan, coordinating with specialist consultants and stakeholders to deliver a comprehensive design solution, including station entrances, public realm, multi-storey car park, cycle hub, offices, life sciences, hotel, and residential elements.

• Planning Application: Prepare and submit a detailed planning application for Phase 1, including all necessary supporting documents, reports, and stakeholder engagement as required by the local planning authority.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Network Rail, train operating companies, and other key stakeholders throughout the design and planning process.

• Sustainability: Embed best practice in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives, targeting high levels of certification (e.g., BREEAM, WELL, NABERS, BNG, embodied carbon).

Key Deliverables:

• A new illustrative masterplan for the Oxford Station area, including phasing and delivery strategy.

• RIBA Stage 2+ design report for the first phase of development.

• Full planning application for Phase 1, including all required technical and supporting documentation.

• Coordination and integration of specialist inputs (e.g., transport, sustainability, heritage, engineering).

• Ongoing design and technical support through the planning determination period.

The contract will be let under the NR26 NEC4 Professional Service Short Contract (PSSC).

The scope of this procurement covers the development of the Oxford Station Masterplan and the delivery of a detailed planning application for Phase 1. Phase 2 services are entirely optional and may not be instructed. Any extension to include Phase 2 will be subject to separate approval and explicit instruction by Network Rail. The estimated total value stated in this notice is inclusive of both Phase 1 and the optional Phase 2. The initial contract will be awarded for Phase 1 only, with any extension to include Phase 2 subject to formal instruction by Network Rail.

Full details of the scope, deliverables, and requirements are provided in the procurement documents within the tender Pack.

New walkway 'key milestone' for Botley Road timeline



A new walkway has opened in Oxford as part of a £231m project to upgrade the city station.

Network Rail said the four-metre wide walkway, which links Botley Road to Frideswide Square, would offer improvements with existing access and more space for pedestrians and cyclists.

The operator said it was "another key milestone" in reopening the road by the end of August 2026, after it was closed at the railway bridge since April 2023.

The scheme has been through several delays, leaving communities frustrated and leading to long-standing businesses experiencing a drop in sales. Some, such as Courtney Pianos, closed down.

Network Rail said cyclists would be asked to dismount while using the shared surface until next year for safety reasons.



The work at Botley Road was "vital to creating a bigger, better station" and "an improved and safer road layout", Network Rail said.

Western route managing director Marcus Jones said "we're on track to the new timeline we committed to earlier this year".  Mr Jones said they were "pleased to have achieved this milestone" and thanked the local community and residents for their patience.

Anna Railton, deputy leader of Oxford City Council and cabinet member for a Zero Carbon Oxford, said the new path would "help to ease the flow of people in and around the area".

In June, rail minister Lord Hendy said some of the small businesses affected by the works would be eligible to receive one-off payments from an £850,000 government fund to "recognise the trouble the delays have caused".

Residents also said they were negatively affected by roads resurfacing works to transform Abbey Road, Cripley Road and Cripley Place into bus turning circles.

The next update session in Oxford will take place on 24 September at The King's Centre on Osney Mead.

I went and had a look at the work on the new walkway this week and I will be really surprised if it is ready by the end of the month.

Hopefully I will be proved wrong but they still haven't put in place all the pre-cast concrete sections that make up the walkway and then they would need to clear up the site and move all the barriers, signs etc. before it could be used.


That will be good news and happy to be proved wrong. 


Edit note: quote marks fixed. CfN.

I went and had a look at the work on the new walkway this week and I will be really surprised if it is ready by the end of the month.

Hopefully I will be proved wrong but they still haven't put in place all the pre-cast concrete sections that make up the walkway and then they would need to clear up the site and move all the barriers, signs etc. before it could be used.

I went and had a look at the work on the new walkway this week and I will be really surprised if it is ready by the end of the month.

Hopefully I will be proved wrong but they still haven't put in place all the pre-cast concrete sections that make up the walkway and then they would need to clear up the site and move all the barriers, signs etc. before it could be used.

It needs to  - Hendy promised that it would be, without fail, open by the end of this month....

I note the artist's optimism in showing OHL on the railway in the background......

Workman on hammock mural mocks roadwork delays



A mural depicting a workman lounging on a hammock has been painted to convey the frustration felt by many over delays to major roadworks.

Road to Nowhere was inspired by the £231m Botley Road project to upgrade Oxford Station, which resulted in the route first closing in April 2023.

Artist Mani Manson-Reeves, known as The Big Orange M, said the idea for the piece came to him while he way stuck in a traffic jam on the train.

Network Rail said it understood why people felt frustrated and that the "vital" work was due to be completed by August 2026.

The artwork outside West Oxford Community Centre features a sign reading "work starts 11/04/2023 for 1,208 days and counting".

Reacting to the piece, resident Gillian told the BBC: "It's quite crude but it's quite clever, and I think it depicts the situation very well."

Lara added: "It shows the frustration of the people who live here - it's not very nice living here at the moment. The guys who are working down there wearing hi-vis suits are not lying down, they're working really hard - I think it should show someone from management lying down and not doing anything."

Business owners previously told the BBC they were "enraged" after learning they did not qualify for a goodwill payment for the long-term closure of Botley Road.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We regularly communicate with those affected by our work and welcome suggestions on how we can lessen the impact at the community sessions. Our work is vital to creating a bigger, better station for everyone, providing more services with East West Rail, adding rail capacity for the future and an improved and safer road layout."

Oxford businesses to receive goodwill payments for Botley Road disruption

Network Rail will write to the affected local businesses that qualify to receive a share of up to £850,000 this week.

- government confirms up to £850,000 in payments to Oxfordshire businesses impacted by Network Rail disruption
- some small, local businesses most impacted by delayed works may be eligible to receive one-off, goodwill payments to acknowledge disruption caused
- Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, visits site to see progress on the Botley Road works – on track to be fully completed next summer

Some small businesses in Oxford most affected by works at Botley Road station may be eligible to receive goodwill payments, following the government today (13 June 2025) confirming up to £850,000 of Network Rail funding to acknowledge the local disruption.   The funding was confirmed today as the Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, visited the site to see Network Rail’s progress on the major improvements to the city’s railway station and Botley Road as part of the Oxford Station Enhancements Project. 

The one-off goodwill payments are being offered in recognition of the disruption resulting from delays to the scheme, which businesses can apply to Network Rail for.

Network Rail will write to the affected businesses this week who qualify for this financial support and a process is being developed to take discussions further.

However, following a reset of the project in January, progress has been made and Network Rail are on track to deliver the new cycle and walkway in August 2025 and will fully reopen Botley Road in August 2026.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:

I’m pleased that Network Rail can now offer payments to those eligible small, local businesses affected and while it can’t undo all the hardship businesses have faced, it recognises the trouble the delays have caused.

I’m glad the project is now on track. I will continue to hold Network Rail to account and engage with the local community. 

I look forward to the scheme being completed, so Oxford can benefit from more frequent and accessible transport links to boost growth in this bustling city.

Following delays owing to the discovery of a large Victorian arch under Botley Road and difficulties moving water pipes, Network Rail launched a new plan to keep the project moving forward early this year. 

Since the reset, the project has hit key milestones, including the early completion of a new clean water pipe by Thames Water. The next big step is to divert the sewer system, which is on track to finish later this year.

Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western Route Director, said:

We know the delays to this project have been frustrating, and we’re sorry for the disruption they’ve caused. The good news is that the project is now firmly back on track, and we’re making strong progress. We’re committed to keeping the community informed as we deliver a safer, more accessible Oxford station for everyone.

Network Rail has been keeping the community informed through monthly public events and business workshops, offering updates and support. New banners, posters and digital screens have also been put up around the station and Botley Road to keep everyone updated and remind people that local businesses are open as usual. The free Botley Flyer bus service now runs 7 days a week, helping people get to the city centre and extra security measures have been put in place to keep pedestrians safe.

Additional support includes new disabled drop-off bays, an audio guide map for easier navigation and improved lighting and CCTV around the station.

Network Rail will set out the process for applying in the coming weeks.[/quoe]

£850,000 to be given out to Oxford businesses due to Botley Road disruption



Businesses in Oxford may be able to receive goodwill payments in recognition of the disruption caused by the Botley Road scheme.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, visited the site today to confirm the funding and to see progress on the improvements taking place.

Network Rail will write to affected businesses this week with more details.

A new cycle and walkway will open in August 2025 following progress being made and Botley Road will fully open in August 2026.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said: “I’m pleased that Network Rail can now offer payments to those eligible small, local businesses affected, and while it can’t undo all the hardship businesses have faced, it recognises the trouble the delays have caused."

From the BBC:

Business owner 'willing to go to jail' over rates

An Oxford business owner said he could be willing to go to jail after he and other traders boycotted paying their business rates because of ongoing disruption on a key route.

Botley Road has been closed since April 2023 as part of Network Rail's ongoing £161m project to upgrade Oxford Station and is expected to reopen in August 2026.

Five businesses affected by the closure stopped paying their business rates and say they will not pay them until they get further financial support.

Tom Rainey, who runs The Porter House restaurant and hotel and The Punter pub, said it was "shocking" that businesses were being charged the full amount in business rates. He said it would "not take much brains" to create some form of exemption.

Business rates are collected by Oxford City Council on behalf of the government, which set the rates and keep most of the income. Decisions over changes to business rate charges are made by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).

The council says it has supported businesses in applying for hardship funding.

However, Mr Rainey said he had applied to city council's hardship fund and received no response from the authority since November. He then found he would have to go to the VOA first to apply for relief, but his application was refused. Despite making two appeals to VOA's decision, he has still not heard anything.

"We are just passed around in this vicious circle because no-one actually cares," Mr Rainey said. "I find it more stomach-wrenching that we are actually paying business rates than the money we are losing. Oxford City Council is giving us absolutely nothing, and the VOA is just a waiting game. They are hiding behind bureaucracy. Not one person has offered us anything, and therefore we believe the only option is to make a stand."

The city council has not acted yet but Mr Rainey said he expected them to produce paperwork within the next few weeks. "Knowing the city council, they will have us in the magistrates' court by May." he added. While he admitted it was "a bit extreme", he said: "If I end up with a jail term, then I would accept that".

The group of traders, who are part of the Botley Road Independent Traders Association (BRITA), include The Porter House, The Punter, First Stop Spannerworks, The Westgate Hotel and Pack & Send.

Zack Iqbal, owner of First Stop Spannerworks, said he would take part in the boycott to "highlight the strain that Botley Road businesses are under".

An Oxford City Council spokesperson said: "The council understands the seriously negative impact that the long-term disruption of Botley Road is having on local businesses and is committed to doing what it can to help, within the limits of its powers. The council is responsible for collecting business rates on behalf of the government, which then retains the majority of the income. The rate is also set by central government. Decisions on changes to business rate charges are made by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) through an independent process, with each case assessed on its own merits."

A VOA spokesperson said: "We cannot comment on individual cases. If there has been a change to a property or its surrounding area, a business can report this to us, and we will assess if the rateable value should be reduced. We encourage any business who thinks that their rateable value is too high to let us know using our online service."

This doesn't seem to have been posted before but a website has been setup by Oxford residents 'annoyed' by the ongoing closure of Botley Road.
https://networkhell.co.uk/

Probably doesn't tell you anything new if you have been following this story closely, but useful to see opinions about this saga from outside the rail industry.

That, or it's R2D2's younger brother.

Sorry.  CfN. 

My personal view is that, unless they suspend work on the platform until nearer the time that the bridge goes in, it will not take another 18 months for the platform to be completed (except for the track connection that goes with it). So it ought to be available as a bay platform to the north (EWR?) well before the bridge is complete

BMW Mini holidays being the problem, along with Network Rail having already notified all 2025 engineering works to TOCs & presumably the Government doesn't want to compensate for adding in another week's closure in August this year.
BMW only has one fortnight's holiday closure each year.

The new programme will see Botley Road reopen in August 2026

Network Rail has announced August 2026 as the new completion date.

NR press release: https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-announces-updated-timeline-for-reopening-of-botley-road-in-oxford

Oxford Clarion report: https://oxfordclarion.uk/clarion-weekly-24-january-2025/

Oxford Mail report: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24881993.new-date-botley-road-closure-announced-network-rail/

“So there’s lessons learned everywhere – the main one being from Network Rail’s point of view that they probably shouldn’t have taken on the project themselves.

"It should have been escalated and perhaps managed by the Department [of Transport] directly."

Minister and rail boss to visit Oxford road shut since 2023

The Rail Minister and boss of Network Rail will face angry traders when they visit Oxford's Botley Road later this month.

It is now over 600 days since the main route into Oxford was closed in April 2023 for a £161m scheme to upgrade Oxford rail station.

Last year a completion date was given of October but that has since been postponed indefinitely due to complex pipework. Work was previously waylaid by the discovery of a historic arch.

Oxford MP Layla Moran has confirmed that Lord Hendy and Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines will come to Oxford on January 25.

Businesses have already said they are planning a protest to coincide with the visit.

Ms Moran, MP for Oxford West, who had a meeting with the pair in December, said they told her the latest hold up was caused by Thames Water.

"I mean, we really do have a Mexican stand-off of incompetence here," she said.

“What’s happened was Thames Water took 18 months to get back to them to do these exploratory works for the piping. It wasn’t just the rail arch that was the problem.

"They also found that the re-routing of the water and sewage and all that was going to be more complex – fine. But it then took Thames Water a long, long time to come back and start to do that work.

“They have been doing that work over the Christmas break. They are now analysing it, and I was told that on the 25th by then, if not before, we should have a final, definitive completion date."

But she told BBC Radio Oxford: "I mean you know, those sighing at the radio saying, we’ve heard that before, I completely agree with them. We’ve just got to keep the pressure up.”

She said she wanted them to meet businesses and residents to "hear from the people who have been so badly affected by this, what it has done to them, their day to day lives, their livelihoods."

She said she did have some sympathy as it is a very complex project, involving several different firms, and she welcomed improvements on the railway especially as the scheme is a key part of East West Rail.

"We want East West Rail – we want it electrified, that’s a separate campaign – but that’s good for the country, it’s good for Oxford, it’s good for our local economy and it’s good for the station.

“No one, even those worse affected, no one is saying we shouldn’t have done this," she said.

But she added: "I think there is now an acknowledgement that it has been mismanaged.

"And in fact in the meeting we had together Network Rail basically admitted they’d not really done a project like this before.

“They’d cut a few corners at the beginning and not done the exploratory works, hoping that would save time.

"Well, anyone who’s done any massive construction project knows well, you do your exploratory work before you begin so you then come up with a plan that’s actually going to be able to be executed.

“They didn’t do that and they didn’t appreciate the complexity right from the off.

"But that was because they chose not to do those works that would have told them that in order, perhaps, to save money and time.

“So there’s lessons learned everywhere – the main one being from Network Rail’s point of view that they probably shouldn’t have taken on the project themselves.

"It should have been escalated and perhaps managed by the Department [of Transport] directly."

She said there has been "some movement in our discussions" about various aspects of the project.

To give "a hint of the complexity" she said: "In order to get this done at some point they are going to have to shut all rail services that go along that line. Now that’s a really key line, not just for passengers but also for freight.

"In order to achieve that normally it takes months and months and months of planning. What they’ve assured is that when they have to do that closure they are going to expedite it, and that that is going to be absolutely prioritised – which was not the case before.

"Before they were trying to fit it in with everything else.

“They are trying.”

Network Rail said it is continuing to meet businesses and has been running a campaign to support them.

Traders will stage Botley Road protest on key Oxford date

Businesses in Oxford are planning a protest to coincide with a visit from rail minister Lord Hendy next month as politicians and traders call for urgent action on the reopening on Botley Road.

Lord Hendy has been warned he will "be walking into trouble if he comes to Oxford empty-handed" as traders demand clarity on when the works will be completed after months of uncertainty.

There have been repeated delays with a £161m scheme to improve the rail station which led to the closure of the key city route at the rail bridge in April last year.

In July, Network Rail said a series of delays with the scheme meant they would not be able to reopen Botley Road as planned in October.

The rail company said a review of the entire project would be conducted in conjunction with contractors Kier and the Department for Transport.

Now Lord Hendy has told Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran in a meeting that he will visit the city in January to provide an update on the work schedule.

Meanwhile, traders who say their businesses have been harmed by the closure of Botley Road are planning to lobby the minister.

Amanda Suliman-Bell, of Rainbow & Spoon boutique, complained earlier this year that footfall at her shop fell 90 per cent when Network Rail rerouted a walkway, taking customers to the opposite side of Frideswide Square.

Speaking this week, she said: "We were planning a protest in the square for January 11 but when we know the date of Lord Hendy's visit we will coincide it with that so it has more impact.

"It's not just me - shops and businesses across west Oxford and other parts of the city have been badly affected by the Botley Road closure.

"When Lord Hendy visits I expect him to say something concrete and provide a finish date for the project and a date for the reopening of Botley Road."

Julian Le Vay, of residents' group West Oxford Access, has been collecting statements from businesses, and residents with mobility issues, which are being compiled in a book to be published in advance of Lord Hendy's visit.

Mr Le Vay said: "Lord Hendy will be walking into trouble if he comes here empty-handed.

"We don't want just another Network Rail plan - we want the minister to ensure dates are met for the reopening of Botley Road, we want compensation for businesses, and we want an inquiry."

On Tuesday, Ms Moran met Lord Hendy and Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines to discuss the redevelopment of Oxford station and the ongoing closure of Botley Road.

Local business owners report they are experiencing up to a 60 per cent drop in income, she said.

She added that Network Rail apologised in the meeting for their mismanagement of the project.

The rail company has been faced with numerous hold-ups, including the discovery of a Victorian arch under the road, as well as difficulties diverting utility cables.

Ms Moran said she pressed those present on the issues facing local businesses, accessibility for those with mobility issues, and the anger and frustration of all local residents.

The minister confirmed the government’s commitment the project, and assured her he would travel to Oxford in January to meet with key stakeholders and provide a timeline for the works going forwards.

Ms Moran said following the meeting: "The main message from Network Rail and the Minister was 'sorry'. But frankly that is the least they could say.

"Our local community has endured this serious disruption for far too long, and the end is not yet in sight.

“I am pleased Network Rail are acknowledging their failings, and reiterated their commitment to the project."

The MP added: "I pressed hard on the need for support for local businesses, many of whom are struggling and some of whom have already gone under.

"With the second Christmas of disruption fast approaching, extra support is sorely needed.

“Network Rail have demonstrated utterly shambolic project management from start to finish, and residents have lost all faith in them to deliver this project.

"It is up to them now to convince our community they have a credible plan to get this project finished."

Oxfordshire county councillor John Howson said improvements at Oxford station, particularly the creation of a new platform, were vital for East West Rail connections, with trains due to start running between Oxford and Milton Keynes by 2025.

He added: "The pressure is on for the Department for Transport, which has a whole raft of half-finished rail schemes and a Chancellor saying' I need to cut back public expenditure'."

In September, Lord Hendy wrote to council leaders in Oxford to say he was "acutely aware" of the disruption caused by the Botley Road closure.

He assured the councils his officials would "press Network Rail closely as it continues to produce a robust plan for completion of the Botley Road bridge works and the wider Oxford station enhancement project".

The Department for Transport said it was too soon to confirm Lord Hendy's visit.

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 transport service available from Becket Street and Mill Street which will run throughout that night shift, between 10pm and 8am.

Fills you full of confidence? No doubt traders and residents in west Oxford similarly.

MP to meet transport secretary over station delays

An Oxford MP is set to meet with the transport secretary to discuss delays to work to upgrade the city's rail station.

Layla Moran raised the lengthy delays to the £161m Network Rail project, which has seen Botley Road closed since April 2023, in Parliament on Tuesday.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said the situation was not "good enough" and agreed to her request for a meeting.

Network Rail has described the project as "incredibly complex" and said it was "taking the time to get it right".

Ms Moran, the Lib Dem MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said she was planning to attend a meeting of businesses affected by the works later in the week.

Her office said firms had reported up to a 60% drop in income and many were "deeply concerned" about how the closure would affect trade over Christmas.

Ms Moran said Network Rail's motto seemed to be "move slow and break things" and that it had "mismanaged" the train station upgrade.

She said she previously wrote to Transport minister Lord Hendy, who had agreed to meet with her, but now "seems too busy".

Ms Haigh said she agreed "the situation in Oxford isn't good enough".

She said she agreed with Ms Moran's characterisation of Network Rail and said that was "part of the reason" why it was being abolished.

"I will of course meet with her to discuss how we can improve the situation," Ms Haigh said.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Moran said she looked forward to finding "an acceptable way forward”.

“Network Rail have demonstrated utterly shambolic project management from start to finish, and residents have lost all faith in them to deliver this project," she added.

In a previous statement a Network Rail spokesman said: “We are working with the Department for Transport and local authority partners as we undertake a full review of the programme and will provide an update on timescales for the next steps of the project.

"This is an incredibly complex project, involving multiple organisations, so although we know everyone wants clarity, we are taking the time to get it right."

Oxford station upgrade: Trial holes drilled after complex utility diversions cause delays

[snip]

“There are a number of buried pipes and cables from various different companies, many of are strategically important e.g. water main. The condition of these pipes and cables is varied some abandoned and no clear owner identified,” they said.

Another major challenge is a brick arch that was discovered underneath Botley Road in sum 2023, that was not previously recorded. The arch is believed to be Victorian and was placed t manage water levels. As such, the impact of removing it was unknown.

Having not seen it for some time, the sight of the Botley Road bridge in September came as a surprise. (Photo below...)

Which is the footway that is to reopen please?

Mark

Oxford Mail https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24504486.oxford-politician-said-botley-road-shut-end-2025/ now reporting that a local councillor has stated that the Botley Road is unlikely to be open until the end of 2025. No official announcement from Network Rail, but I do feel sorry for the residents of Oxford.

Amanda Suliman-Bell, who runs Rainbow & Spoon cafe, complained that footfall had fallen by 90 per cent since the diversion, which guides pedestrians away from the south side of the square.

Earlier this month Mrs Suliman-Bell said she feared she would have to shut the store if the original walkway was not restored in the near future.

She emailed Network Rail and contractors Kier urging them to restore the original pedestrian walkway as soon as possible.

She said in her email: "I have lost 90 per cent of my footfall since you changed the walkway over on July 1 - with absolutely no warning, no announcement, no hint and zero thought as to how it might impact those businesses on the south side of Frideswide Square - indeed the only side of the square where there are businesses."

I do though agree that combined services cable ducting would be a good idea. It's just that we are about 200 years too late now!

Fibre in water

March 2022 - We’re doing our research

Our plan is to put the fibre cables into ‘messenger pipes’, which are made from the same material as our new water pipes. The messenger pipes will protect the fibre cables and make sure they don’t touch the water.

But first things first, we need to make sure this is safe for customers. We’ll look into any possible risks and will iron out any potential problems with the design, technology or processes.
 
What’s next?

If the project passes the initial research phase, 17km of fibre-optic cables will be laid in our water pipes between Barnsley and Penistone in 2023. This will be the first time a project like this has been trialled in the UK!

Combining two industries meant there was a lack of clarity when it came to industry approved standards which meant certification became a challenge. An important aspect of using the clean water network is that anything installed within the network first needs Regulation 31 (Reg 31) approval from the DWI. For this project, approvals were needed for the installation method and the finished installed product. At the time of writing, almost 2 years after the TAWCO project was awarded funding, approval for the finished product remains outstanding and subsequently there is a barrier to adoption until this issue is resolved.

In addition to the enabling technology, alignment of the operational processes of two very disparate industries – from design and construction to ownership and operation, including ‘break-fix’ – presented a significant challenge. TAWCO successfully defined aligned processes and as such has created

To add to the list of service companies/contacts-

1 - The sewerage and water supply divisions of Thames Water will be two different business units
2 - There will be highway drains (Oxfordshire County Council) as well
3 - In addition to any commercial fibre companies, it is likely that "JANET" (the Joint Academic Network) has a line through here.
4 - I think that I have read somewhere that there's also a culverted watercourse in the mix - step forward the Environment Agency
5 - Then there will also be the railway's own drains & services. I understand the lack (or loss) of these is one the many reasons for the problems and delays with the GW Mainline electrification.

BTW - I believe that moving fibre cables may not be simple or straightforward either.

I do though agree that combined services cable ducting would be a good idea. It's just that we are about 200 years too late now!

Perhaps there are - and were - more than that, especially if you are doing PR and playing "make the biggest number". If you list utilities as distinct network types, not by owner, you get: gas, electricity, water, foul sewers, road drains, cable TV (that standard location inherited by Virgin Media for fibre), telephone, and then fibre. Functionally, most of these may exist as a local distribution network and trunk connections too, which be operated separately.

But the fibres are unlikely to have been a problem. Last in and closest to the surface, they are easy to reroute on the timescales here. And I doubt they would be in the roadway under the bridge anyway, even long-distance ones.

Functionally, most of these may exist as a local distribution network and trunk connections too, which be operated separately.

But the fibres are unlikely to have been a problem. Last in and closest to the surface, they are easy to reroute on the timescales here. And I doubt they would be in the roadway under the bridge anyway, even long-distance ones.

No but at least there were only 4 possible utility operators (Water Authority, Post office Telephones, Electricity Board, Gas Board) to deal with not 11!

Are the pre Nationalisation public services pipes and cables exempt?  I suspect there are quite a few pipes and cables dating back before WW2, which may be abandoned and the ownership is unknown and proving they are abandoned and therefore safe to cut may be a challenge 

Another mess caused by the blind ideological insistence on competition in the provision of public services to solve a problem created by privatisation.  

Note what Network Rail said about "Kier and the 11 different utility providers involved". I can't imagine how there are as many as eleven, even if half of them are fibre operators, but I'm not surprised that coordinating them is difficult. It's probably more difficult than it should be.

You can imagine the meeting (live or Teams) which goes "we've found an old pipe that is is our way, so our work has to be changed and will take a bit longer" - "oh, that means we will have to replan our work,  and then schedule a new time (much later) to do that" - "ah, if we have to delay our work that means ..." etc. etc.

The time allowed looks long enough to an outsider, and given the constraints on booking rail closures NR must have allowed as long as they though it could possibly take plus a bit on top. I don't imagine NR, Kier, and these utilities companies are still all best friends.