Major road shut in city for upgrades reopens

A major traffic route in Oxford has reopened following multiple delays and rising costs.

Botley Road, a main route into the city centre, had been shut to traffic since April 2023 so that Network Rail could carry out work to upgrade Oxford railway station, which the company said was near to full capacity.

The route was closed at the rail bridge because of the scheme, which saw costs rise from £161m to £237.4m.

Construction work on a new platform and western entrance to the station, announced at the start of the project, has yet to take place.

The works in Botley Road were initially due to be completed in October 2024.

Setbacks ranged from archaeological finds, the discovery of a World War Two grenade and essential work to replace part of the gas network.

The closure created disruption for residents and businesses, with the local community describing themselves as "angry but powerless" as the works continued to fall behind schedule.

Richard Twine, 72, said that it was a "good day" now the road had reopened.

"I can't believe it, it's great. Lots of people have had lots of complaints but this is the start of the rest of everybody's lives in Oxford, another route into the city."

Resident Louise Brewerton said that the closure had "caused a lot of chaos" and that the noise had been "horrendous".

But now that it has opened, she said: "It is a lot better for the community. It's made a lot of people happy".

Network Rail first announced its plans to shut Botley Road in 2022, stating that it would lead to improved train services.

Shortly before work began in April 2023, it apologised for the predicted disruption but the switch to 24-hour building work five months into the project further angered residents.

A month later, a planned six-month break, in which the road was to be reopened, was cancelled, with the rail operator citing "unique challenges".

Deadlines for October 2024 and August 2026 also passed by.

The station upgrades will take place at a later date.

Oxfordshire County Council has announced a series of upgraded bus services to coincide with the reopening.