Network Rail bosses have promised to try to answer key questions on the Botley Road closure.

The  major route into the city from west Oxford has been shut to traffic 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: Network Rail updates timetable on Botley Road closure 

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

(Image: Andy Ffrench) It is understood that a series of options are being considered - including postponing the project, and the Oxford Mail has asked the rail infrastructure company for answers, using the Freedom of Information (FOI) act.

Bosses suggested they would respond with some answers by today but so far there has been no response.

Earlier this month, Network Rail said 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 a full announcement is not expected for at least another two months.

City councillor for Osney & St Thomas Susanna Pressel said: "We are all desperate to know what is happening about the Network Rail work by the station, but don’t hold your breath.

"Until Thames Water has worked out how to connect up their water main, which should have been done last year, Network Rail won’t be able to complete their review and submit a request for more money to the Department for Transport.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) "It will then be up to the government to decide our fate.”

The Oxford Mail submitted its Freedom of Information request on August 13.

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?

(Image: Andy Ffrench) 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."

She added: "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, October 9, 2024 at the latest, but hopefully sooner than this."

Traders in west Oxford have been hit hard by the closure being extended.

Pickle & Lime greengrocers in Botley Road has closed.

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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.