Updated 25 September 2023
As you may already know, work is taking place to expand capacity at Oxford Railway Station.
This will see a replacement bridge created and the existing Youth Hostel on Botley Road will be knocked down to make way for an additional platform and Western entrance to Oxford Railway Station.
Due to the substantial nature of the works, Botley Road will be closed to all traffic from the end nearest to the Botley Bridge. It will not be possible to drive into the city centre along the Botley Road.
This closure was initially to take place in phases, to minimise impact on residents and those studying or working in the city.
However, Network Rail has recently announced the extension of the Botley Road closure after challenges delayed work this summer. A historic arch was discovered that could form part of the structural support of the railway bride, forcing redesigns of proposed plans.
Botley Road was due to reopen fully next month, with a further six-month closure planned from March 2024 to October 2024.
However, while the project switched to 24-hour working in August, the programme remains incredibly challenging. Despite round-the-clock work, the delays mean that Botley Road will not be able to reopen in October 2023.
The road will remain closed at the rail bridge until October 2024, enabling the teams to do the necessary work to complete the multi-million-pound project – part of the Oxfordshire Connect programme – to upgrade the station.
Will college remain open?
Please note that City of Oxford College will remain open as usual throughout this period.
Please see some information on changes to your journey into college. We would also advise everyone to allow for extra time when travelling into campus, especially during the GCSE English and maths exams period.
Information for public transport users, pedestrians and cyclists
If you drive into the city using Botley Road, you are advised to use Seacourt Park & Ride or take an alternative route into the city centre.
Students and staff travelling by bus to the Oxford city-centre campus at City of Oxford College from the Western side of the city, including services from Witney, Wantage and Swindon, will need to leave the bus at the final stop, just before the rail bridge. They will then be able to continue their journey on foot.
If you are travelling by train, please note there is no planned impact on train services until summer 2023 (see exact dates above).
Pedestrians, mobility scooters, cyclists and local residents will have access throughout the works. Diversions may apply.
- Botley Road closure guidance from Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel
- Botley Road closure guidance from Stagecoach Bus Company
What options are there for people that can’t manage the walk from the bus stops?
An accessible free transport service, called ‘The Botley Road Flyer’ will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between Botley Road and the city centre via Woodstock Road.
Operating between 10am- 2pm, the hourly service collects from West Oxford Community Centre and the Seacourt Bridge in Botley. It drops off outside the health centre in Jericho on Walton Street and next to the Westgate Centre on New Road.
Pick-up times are as follows:
- West Oxford Community Centre – 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm
- The Seacourt Bridge – 10.10am, 11.10am, 12,10pm and 1.10pm.
Please note you do not need to book a seat on the but wheelchair spaces need to be requested in advance.
To book a wheelchair space, contact oxfordphase2@networkrail.co.uk or call 01865 768329.
Information for car drivers
Drivers are encouraged to use public transport or to carpool wherever possible, in line with our strategic driver of sustainability and to avoid alternative routes becoming congested.
However, if you are driving along the Botley Road, please park your vehicle at Seacourt Park and Ride, which has expanded capacity.
Where can I get more information?
We will continue to update you on the progress of these works on this page.
We would advise you to also visit the dedicated Oxfordshire Connect Network Rail page for the latest information on these works. For the latest highways information, visit the Oxfordshire County Council Oxford City Station.
