The discovery of asbestos during works to upgrade Oxford's train station will "not have a significant impact", Network Rail has confirmed. 

The matter was discovered last week in the ground at the nursery site on Roger Dudman Way. 

Network Rail says the team worked over the weekend to finish the removal, with the towpath under Sheepwash bridge reopening temporarily. 

READ MORE: PREVIEW: New ice rink coming to Blenheim Palace this winter

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The discovery of asbestos in the ground at the nursery site on Roger Dudman Way will not have a significant impact on the project.

“Our teams have been demolishing the nursery so that we can use the site for the work we need to do on Sheepwash bridge, which includes putting in new rail and road bridges. 

“While the nursery building was relatively new, the ground at that location has been in use since the 1800s - when the railway was first built - and used to be part of the wider station area, which has led to a number of discoveries of materials that were previously buried. 

READ MORE: Didcot motorcyclist dies after accident in Manx Grand Prix

“Because of the need to use this site as part of our work, the Oxfordshire Connect project has paid for the nursery to be temporarily relocated to Becket Street car park and the nursery building will be rebuilt after our work."

Network Rail has not provided a reopening date for Botley Road at this stage. 

When asked if it was able to provide a reopening date, a spokesperson said: “A full review of the Botley Road programme is ongoing and we’ll provide an update on timescales for the next steps of the project as soon as we’re able.”