Network Rail has updated its timetable on when an announcement can be made about the reopening of Botley Road in Oxford.
The busy route into the city has been closed at the rail bridge since April last year as work continues on a £161m scheme to revamp Oxford station.
The scheme has been plagued with delays as utility companies dig up the road and in July the rail authority announced the road would not reopen as scheduled at the end of October.
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Rail minister Lord Hendy has apologised for the delays but to date there has been no announcement to say when the road will reopen, as a full review of the project is under way.
Today Network Rail provided residents and commuters with an update, indicating that after Thames Water sewer work between Abbey Road and Mill Street is completed, it will be in a better position to say when the road is likely to reopen. But an announcement is not expected for at least another two months.
This week contractors started a five-week project to dig trial holes to allow Thames Water to confirm whether it is possible to move its water main connection point further west along Botley Road towards Osney Bridge.
The two previous locations identified by rail contractors Kier were rejected by Thames Water, due to operational concerns that any temporary works could impact on Oxford’s main water supply and sewer.
"The current work being carried out by Thames Water will determine whether a new alternative location is possible.
"Following completion of the physical trial hole works, Thames Water and Kier will then require a further four weeks to validate the designs, cost, and programme to carry out the diversions.
"Once this information is shared with Network Rail, discussions can continue with funders around potential options for the overall scheme."
While the trial holes are being dug, buses are using a diversion route along Abbey Road, Cripley Road and Cripley Place.
Julian Le Vay, of residents' group West Oxford Access, said earlier: "I have received a letter saying they're going to send all Botley Road traffic - buses, trucks the lot - down Abbey and Cripley roads - quiet residential streets not suited for heaving traffic. Fumes, noise at all hours. No parking places.
"What about my wife, she has trouble walking. So we can't get her to our car?
"Network Rail is totally out of control. Each week they improvise a new outrage. None of this was planned. Where is the county council?"
He said: "We are grateful for the support and patience of the community whilst we undertake these works. We want to give clarity to residents, businesses and stakeholders as soon as possible.
"The work currently being carried out by Thames Water is vital to helping to find a way forward for this project. We will keep residents and the local community updated on any further developments as this work takes place. “
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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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