Network Rail bosses say they need more time before giving answers to key questions about Oxford station improvements and the closure of Botley Road.

The  major route into the city from west Oxford has been closed at the rail bridge since April last year as as result of a £161m scheme to revamp the station.

In July, Network Rail said Botley Road would no longer be reopening at the end of the October as promised because the scheme has overrun, and there is an overspend on the budget.

READ MORE: Backlash to works planned for Botley Road

Now a review, involving Network Rail, contractors Kier, the county council and the Department for Transport is under way.

It is understood that a series of options are being considered - including postponing the project.

(Image: Oxford Mail) A new date for the reopening of Botley Road has not yet been revealed, and Network Rail has not yet said when the review will be completed, despite being asked repeatedly for dates.

The Oxford Mail submitted a Freedom of Information inquest to Network Rail on August 13.

READ MORE: Network Rail scheme could be halted

We asked: 

  • *Please can Network Rail inform us of the estimated completion date for the scheme now it has overrun?
  • *When is the ongoing review likely to be completed?
  • *What is the projected overspend for the project?
  • *Does the projected overspend exceed £100m or not?
  • *How does Network Rail/the Department for Transport plan to pay for
  • the overspend?
  • *Is there a possibility that the project, for the time being, could be
  • completely abandoned so that Botley Road can be reopened at the rail bridge?
  • *Has Network Rail paid any compensation to traders in the area for their claimed loss of income?

Despite considering the questions for a month, Network Rail has asked for more time to answer them.

(Image: Oxford Mail) Information officer Tamana Khanom said in a letter dated September 11: "Under regulation 7(1) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, a public authority can extend the period of 20 working days to 40 working days, if the complexity and volume of the information requested means it is impracticable to make a decision within the earlier period.

"While I have been working towards providing a substantive response by today, it has become apparent that this is not practicable.

"I will aim to reply to you by Wednesday 9 October 2024 the latest, but hopefully sooner than this."

Network rail declined to comment after the Oxford Mail resubmitted the questions to its press office as "the review is ongoing".

Residents and traders have been frustrated by the closure of Botley Road at the rail bridge, and by traffic delays caused by Thames Water replacing a damaged water main close to Osney Bridge.

Resurfacing work close to Waitrose will start today and run until September 25, adding to delays on the route.

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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.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.