A new and improved walkway has opened at Botley Road in Oxford as Network Rail hits another key milestone in the revised plan to reopen the road by the end of August next year.
The new four-metre wide walkway, which links Botley Road to Frideswide Square, will offer a significant improvement to existing access, with much more space for pedestrians and cyclists.
Cyclists will be asked to dismount while using the shared surface until next year to allow for the safety of pedestrians while work continues in the area.
The work at Botley Road 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.
Since the programme was reset in January 2025, the project is delivering to the new schedule and Botley Road reopening by the end of August 2026.
New drone footage shows the new walkway along with a wider view of the work taking place:
Marcus Jones, Western Route director for Network Rail, said: “We’re pleased to have achieved this milestone which will greatly improve access for everyone at Botley Road in Oxford.
“I’d like to thank local residents, businesses and the community for their ongoing patience and assure them that we’re on track to the new timeline we committed to earlier this year.”
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader of Oxford City Council and Cabinet Member for a Zero Carbon Oxford, said:
“The new foot and cycle path is a welcome step in the Botley Road works and a reassuring sign that work is progressing on schedule.
“Not only is the new path a much-needed upgrade to the existing walkway, but it will also help to ease the flow of people in and around the area. I look forward to the second walk and cycle path opening next year.”
Image credit: Network Rail
