Botley Road closure in Oxford: What it means for cyclists

After months of anticipation, the first six-month closure of the Botley Road at Oxford Train Station will finally begin on Tuesday, when work starts to divert 11 different utility services under the bridge, with the replacement of the bridge taking place during a six-month closure in 2024.

Once the works are complete, the station will have a new western entrance, an additional platform and other infrastructure in place for the proposed Cowley branch line and new East West routes.

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For cyclists the new road layout will offer a choice of raised cycle/footways or cycle lanes on both sides. As someone who has cycled under the bridge almost daily for over 30 years, I’m hugely relieved that there will finally be a safer alternative.

The tunnel:

The road is closed to all motor traffic but pedestrians and cyclists pushing their bikes can use the existing tunnel. This may become a bottleneck because all the bus services will begin and end at Osney and passengers will walk the 500m between Osney and St Frideswide Square.

Cargo bikes and delivery bikes will also divert from the road to the narrow tunnel. Cargo bike firm Pedal & Post have helpfully agreed to avoid peak times and the postal service is switching to using an e-bike to maintain deliveries in the area, as are other businesses based in Osney Mead.

Network Rail are providing 11 marshals to help keep everyone safe and keep things moving. However, there will inevitably be delays, especially in the first few weeks, whilst everybody gets used to the temporary arrangements.

Alternative routes:

Congestion at the tunnel may mean you prefer to avoid the station area completely and there are many alternative routes.

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If you’re headed south, via Osney Mead and along the River Thames, Willow Walk is reopening following a three-month closure to upgrade the surface and install a wider bridge over Bulstake Stream.

And there’s improved access onto Willow Walk from Lamarsh Road via the brand new cycle path across King George’s Field. At peak times this may be the quickest way to access the town centre by bike - via the bridge from the Grandpont Nature Reserve.

Network Rail are looking into the possibility of installing a metal bike rail on the steps of the pedestrian bridge, over the railway, that connects Mill Street and Osney Lane, which would be welcome and it’s possible to access town via Gibbs Crescent and Oxpens Meadow.

If you’re headed north, it’s a little easier as Roger Dudman Way will remain open throughout the works.

Concerns/opportunities:

The closures will cause an enormous amount of disruption and difficulties for many.

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Access to the town centre and medical appointments for those who are less mobile and access for emergency vehicles are issues of particular concern which are still not fully resolved.

But there is also an opportunity for a change in habits.

The reduction of traffic on the Botley Road combined with the warmer weather and lighter evenings might tempt more people to give cycling a go.

Broken Spoke are hoping to run some ‘Get Back on your Bike’ courses in April and May for people to brush up their skills.

Or if you’re looking for a new bike, Warlands, Halfords and Decathlon offer a great range of ebikes and bikes, including folding bikes, which you could combine with a £300 annual parking permit for any of Oxford’s Park and Rides.

Finally, to ensure that cyclists feel safe when the road re-opens, we need further improvements to the cycling infrastructure for all of Botley Road.