Network Rail is replacing the bridge over the A420 Botley Road to support future service improvements at Oxford.
As a result, trains will be amended from Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 February:
- Replacement road transport planned between Didcot Parkway and Oxford, plus between Banbury and Oxford or Didcot Parkway.
- GWR trains still operate between Oxford and Worcester, Great Malvern or Hereford via Evesham, plus between Oxford and Banbury (except Sundays).
- Chiltern Railways trains continue to operate between London Marylebone and Oxford or Banbury.
- GWR trains still operate at Didcot Parkway between London Paddington and the Cotswolds, South Wales or the West of England.
- CrossCountry trains will operate between Bournemouth and Didcot Parkway, plus between Banbury and Manchester Piccadilly.
- A wider bridge will enable an additional line to serve a new platform currently under construction as part of the station expansion.
In addition to a new western entrance, the replacement bridge will also benefit road users and pedestrians on Botley Road.
GWR’s station manager for Oxford, Billy White, said: “This new bridge over Botley Road is a really important investment in the long-term future of Oxford station and for the city as a whole.
“During this period, replacement road transport will be operating for Banbury or Didcot Parkway from the long stay car park on Becket Street.
“At Didcot Parkway, trains will still be running between London Paddington and Cheltenham, South Wales or Bristol as well as services for the South Coast.
“It’s important that customers are aware that these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”
Network Rail Project director, Giles Clark, commented: “This is a major milestone in our work to provide more capacity and better journeys for passengers in Oxford.
“We know getting to this stage has been a difficult journey for passengers and local residents, and I’d like to thank them for their ongoing patience as we install the new bridge.
“If you’re planning to travel via Oxford over the first week of February, please make sure to check your journey before travelling at National Rail Enquiries or with your train operator.”
Customers should note the station car park on Becket Street will be shut for the duration of the time that these rail replacement services are running.
Pedestrian access through Oxford station will be maintained when Botley Road is closed during these works with temporary walkways between platforms.
Image credit: GWR
