OXFORD rail station will receive £161 million in order for a major overhaul, it has been announced.
As revealed by this newspaper last month, Network Rail’s plans to increase capacity at the station will lead to the complete closure of Botley Road and the station.
The rail bridge in Botley Road needs to be replaced as part of the expansion plans.
Further detail on how the work will be funded and the impact the changes to the station will have on the area have now been revealed.
READ AGAIN: Botley Road and Oxford Train Station set to close next summer
Among the upgrades to be completed by 2024 are the creation of a new track, platform and entrance on the west side of the station.
The Department for Transport estimates almost 10,000 new jobs will be created as a result of the project, with more people drawn to Oxford.
Funding will also be used to create a four-metre wide cycling and walking path at the Botley Road rail bridge.
Work at the station will begin later this year, with the Botley Road improvements expected to be completed by the end of 2023, followed by the new platform and entrance which is set to open in 2024.
OxLEP, the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, contributed £10m towards the £161m total.
Mike Gallop, Network Rail’s western route and strategic operations director, said: “We recognise there may be some disruption to both passengers and nearby residents while we make these upgrades who we’d like to thank in advance for their patience and understanding.
“We will ensure we continue to communicate any changes to services and notify residents of any forthcoming work that may impact them.”
Lines in and out of Oxford station are already set to close over four weekends in September and October.
This is currently set for the weekends of September 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25, plus October 1-2. Buses will replace regular train services.
Oxford station is one of the first projects delivered through the Government’s SPEED (Swift, Pragmatic and Efficient Enhancement Delivery) scheme, launched last year.
Rail minister Wendy Morton said: “While union bosses continue on their campaign to inflict maximum disruption to the lives of everyday people with strikes, I am busy getting on with the job at the hand – modernising our railways to create one which is fit for the 21st century and meets the needs of the modern-day passenger.
“This £161m will truly transform the region, increasing the number of services for passengers, boosting economic growth by connecting people to new opportunities and increasing freight services between the South and Midlands.”
Read more from this author
This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.
Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice
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