Network Rail has postponed the removal of a footbridge in Oxford's Botley Road as part of an ongoing project which has resulted in the long-term closure of the key route.

The rail authority is carrying out a £161m upgrade of the rail station.

The road was closed in April last year and will reopen in October, according to Network Rail.

READ MORE: Coffee shop relocation plans

Project managers had planned this weekend to remove the pedestrian footbridge, which leads from the station to the other side of Botley Road as part of the works.

But this has now been postponed. 

Oxford Mail: The Botley Road footbridgeA Network Rail spokesman said: "Having reviewed our plans, we've decided to leave Botley Road footbridge in place for now so that we cause as little disruption to the community as possible.

"We're postponing the bridge removal for at least few weeks but this won't affect the overall timings for our project.

"In the meantime, work will continue on diverting the utilities under Botley Road rail bridge."

The entire project was delayed when a Victorian arch was discovered beneath the rail bridge.

The rail bridge is due to be replaced later this year.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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