Network Rail has confirmed that the first of two new pedestrian and cycleway routes by Botley Road Bridge at Oxford Train Station is on track to open by the end of August 2025.
The four-metre-wide route, located along the northern (station) side of Botley Road, will provide a significant improvement over the existing narrow tunnel beneath the railway. Nearly three times as wide as the previous passage, the upgraded route will feature segregated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, elevated from the road to enhance safety and accessibility.
Once this new walkway and cycleway opens, there will be further changes to the temporary access arrangements at either end. Pedestrian access from the west will shift to the north side of Botley Road, as detailed in updated maps shared by Network Rail.
This milestone forms part of a wider project to increase connectivity and capacity along this key gateway into the city. A second, equally wide pedestrian and cycle route — running beneath the southern (car park) side of Botley Road — is due to open by the end of August 2026, when the road is scheduled to reopen fully. Together, the two new routes will transform the experience for those walking or cycling into Oxford.
Once complete, the road will be adopted by Oxfordshire County Council, which will take on long-term responsibility for its maintenance and safety. Until the project concludes in 2026, hoardings will remain around the worksite, and pedestrian and cycle routes may continue to be adjusted.
Construction teams are continuing to make strong progress on the box structures that will support the new railway bridge and house the walkways. Recent activity includes the installation of shuttering in the north-west box ahead of concrete pouring, steel reinforcement for the roof of the north-east box, and similar works in the central box.
Work is also progressing on the retaining wall that will connect the new bridge to additional tracks planned as part of Oxford Station’s future expansion.
Upcoming railway closure in early 2026.
Looking ahead, a critical phase of the programme will take place between 31 January and 09 February 2026, when the railway lines crossing the existing Botley Road bridge will close.
During this period, engineers will remove the current structure and install three new bridge spans. This will involve lifting out the existing railway lines and replacing them once the new spans are in place.
There will be approximately five days during this window when Botley Road itself will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists, due to heavy lifting and construction activities.
To minimise disruption, Network Rail is proposing an alternative pedestrian route through Oxford station and is assessing appropriate provision for cyclists and scooter users. A dedicated sub-working group—including representatives from key user groups—is being established to help shape mitigation measures, particularly for people with reduced mobility.
In the meantime, sewer diversion works continue.
Alongside bridge and walkway works, progress continues on the complex sewer diversion beneath Botley Road. Following the removal of the tunnel boring machine, engineers encountered a buried concrete slab that delayed the installation of piles needed to excavate the reception pit.
Despite the setback, work is advancing at pace, with teams on site seven days a week to complete the diversion as quickly as possible. Completion of this phase is now expected by mid-September 2025, with no impact anticipated on the wider timeline to reopen Botley Road in August 2026.
Key works include the construction of a bespoke sewer chamber by extending the reception pit outside the Westgate Hotel. On the eastern side of the site, workers have been grouting joints between concrete sections in the launch pit, and excavation continues on the open-cut trench for the sewer.
The sewer diversion is a crucial element of the broader infrastructure upgrade, helping to future-proof the area’s underground systems and support the city’s long-term growth.
Additional information about the project timeline and community engagement activities can be found on Network Rail’s website.
