Oxford Rail Services Resume Following Major Botley Road Bridge Works

Rail services through Oxford were operating normally this morning after Network Rail completed a major construction stage on the Oxfordshire Connect programme, marking the successful replacement of the Botley Road rail bridge.

The work followed an eight-day shutdown designed to give engineers a safe window to dismantle the ageing structure, install new bridge spans and carry out preparatory activity required ahead of the full reopening of Botley Road, which remains scheduled for August 2026. During this period, trains south of Oxford towards Didcot Parkway were suspended, with buses stepping in to maintain connections.

With the latest phase now finished, the temporary pedestrian diversion through Oxford station has been removed and the usual route beneath the bridge is once again open to the public. Rail services between Oxford and Didcot Parkway have also resumed their normal timetables.

Support during the closure was provided by dozens of volunteers who assisted passengers and residents in navigating altered routes. Network Rail and construction partner Kier have expressed their thanks to the local community for its patience, as well as to station staff and volunteers who maintained round-the-clock assistance, signage and guidance throughout the disruption.

The bridge replacement represents a key milestone within the wider Oxfordshire Connect programme, which aims to transform the area’s rail and road infrastructure. The scheme will deliver:

• A bigger, better Oxford station
• More services with East West Rail
• Additional rail capacity, including future use of the Cowley Branch Line
• An improved and safer road layout for all users

Once complete, the programme is expected to support long-term economic growth across the region, improve reliability for rail users and create a more resilient transport network.

Giles Clark, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said:

“Completing this phase of work on schedule is a significant milestone for the Oxfordshire Connect programme, and I’m grateful to everyone who played a part in making it happen. These improvements are essential to keeping passengers moving safely and reliably, and they lay the groundwork for the major upgrades still to come. I’d like to thank local residents, businesses and passengers for their patience while we carried out this complex work, and I’m pleased that the walkway diversion and railway lines are now fully open again. We remain firmly on track for our next major milestone, reopening Botley Road in August 2026.”

Image: Network Rail