A rail project that has caused disruption for 18 months has finally reached a new phase but it has now been revealed the major scheme will shut down for 17 days over Christmas.
No work will be carried out on delayed Botley Road works for more than two weeks during the Christmas period between December 20 and January 6, Network Rail has said.
The company has yet to explain the reason for the long pause.
Botley Road has been closed since April 2023 for Network Rail’s £161 million project aimed at expanding Oxford's central train station.
The road was originally due to reopen in October 2024 but the project has faced repeated delays and the closure will continue into 2025 with Network Rail yet to announce a new reopening date.
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It comes as MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Layla Moran secured a meeting with Transport Secretary next week to discuss "Network Rail’s mismanagement of the Oxford Station upgrade and the persistent delays plaguing the project" and the impact on the local community and businesses.
“Local residents and businesses have lost all faith in Network Rail to deliver this project and I look forward to getting some answers for them."
It comes as Thames Water is also working to complete the connection of a new water main on the western side of Osney Bridge.
Here, the company is installing a new section of pipe to extend it to the site of the new connection point, between Abbey Road and Mill Street.
This phase of works is planned to continue until November 30.
Parking in Abbey Road, between Botley Road and Cripley Place junctions, is suspended to allow buses to be diverted to get to the turning area.
The suspension will remain in place until Friday, December 20.
Anyone with a resident’s parking permit is able to park in other streets within the wider West Oxford CPZ.
Network Rail has also arranged some alternative parking for those permit holders directly impacted on Abbey Road, Cripley Place and Cripley Road.
The junction into Mill Street is open as usual, but reduced down to one lane, with temporary traffic lights in place to manage traffic coming in and out.
Network Rail said phase two of the work will begin in December.
This will see the road closed between Abbey Road and Mill Street, with all traffic being diverted via Abbey Road. This is planned to start on December 1.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We know how important Botley Road is to Oxford and apologise for the ongoing inconvenience.
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“We’ve met with local businesses to understand their concerns and have been running a campaign to encourage people to shop locally, including signs to highlight that businesses are open and a series of videos about what they have to offer.
“We are working out the best way forward for our project and will continue to engage with the local community as our plans develop.”
Ms Moran also requested a meeting with Thames Water’s CEO but was told Chris Weston will not be available for a meeting for three months - until March 2025.
She said: "Thames Water’s inability to arrange a timely meeting on this issue is both disappointing and, sadly, unsurprising.
"Delays and inaction seem to be their standard response.”
A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We are acutely aware of the urgency of the project and continue to work closely with Network Rail and their contractor Kier to deliver the works as efficiently as possible.”
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