Leader of Oxford City Council Susan Brown has responded to the news that Botley Road will not reopen as planned in October.
Network Rail made the announcement today that the road, which has been closed since April 2023, will not reopen in October due to "highly complex" works needing more time to be completed.
The road closure is part of the redevelopment of Oxford station, a £116 million project.
READ MORE: Oxford: Botley Road will NOT reopen as planned in October
In response to this announcement, Ms Brown said: "These delays to the scheme are hugely frustrating for all in the city living with the disruption.
"Oxford residents and businesses need absolute clarity about when the Botley Road will open and what the implications for county's traffic filters plans are.
It comes as traders had complained about the closure of Botley Road causing disruption to their businesses.
Zack Khan, owner of First Stop Spanner Works tyre shop off Botley Road, described 2023 as a "year from hell" due to works taking place in Botley Road and at the Botley Interchange.
“The general perception is that West Oxford is best to avoid," Mr Khan said.
“People are queuing for hours to get here. Passing trade has been devastated.”
Oxford City Councillor for Osney and St Thomas Ward Lois Muddiman has also responded to the news.
She said: "Sadly, like most local residents, I am not at all surprised that Network’s Rail’s project on Botley Road will not be completed on schedule and Botley Road will not reopen in October as planned.
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"The scale of delay on this project is simply appalling."
Network Rail has not provided a new reopening date at this stage.
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "In terms of a new date for the reopening of the road, we are working with industry and local authority partners and will provide an update on timescales when a full review of the programme has been undertaken."
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