Botley Road in Oxford has reopened to traffic, reconnecting west Oxford with the city centre after more than three years of closure.
The route beneath Oxford station’s railway bridge is now open to motorists, buses, cyclists and pedestrians. The works included a new railway bridge and a redesigned road layout with improved provision for walking and cycling.
Utility works delayed opening
Botley Road had been closed since April 2023 while Network Rail and its partners worked on the wider Oxford station and area upgrade programme. The reopening was originally expected earlier in summer 2026 but was delayed by urgent work to replace a section of gas network beneath the road.
Network Rail said carrying out the replacement before reopening avoided the need for further disruption and improved the long-term resilience of local infrastructure. Construction also involved complex diversions to drainage and water services, as well as the discovery of a Victorian brick arch that had not appeared in existing surveys or records.
In January 2025, Network Rail said it was prioritising the road’s reopening. The gas pipe was found during excavation in July, when the programme was still on course to meet its August 2026 target.
Part of wider rail capacity upgrade
The Oxford station programme is intended to increase capacity at one of the country’s busiest rail junctions and support future improvements to services across Oxfordshire and beyond. The works are also intended to support planned East West Rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes, along with proposals to reopen the Cowley Branch Line.
The reopening coincides with changes to local bus services introduced by operators in Oxfordshire.
Tim Walden, Network Rail’s Wales & Western Region Capital Delivery Director, said: “Today is an important day for Oxford. We know the closure of Botley Road has had a significant impact on residents, businesses and everyone who relies on this route, and we are sorry for the disruption and frustration it has caused.
“Reopening the road is a major milestone, and I’d like to thank the local community for their patience while this complex programme of work has been carried out.
“The work completed here will create a better-connected station, support future growth on the railway and enable people to once again travel directly through Botley Road.”