Oxford rail passengers warned of disruption as new bridge installed

Rail passengers using Oxford are being advised to check travel plans in advance in early February while Network Rail carries out a major stage of work to install a new railway bridge next to Oxford station, part of a wider programme to increase capacity and improve services.

The bridge installation will require changes to train services from Sunday 1 February to Sunday 8 February. During this period, a revised timetable will operate, with rail replacement buses running between Didcot Parkway and Oxford, and between Banbury and Oxford or Didcot Parkway.

The work forms part of the wider Oxford station upgrade, which aims to expand railway infrastructure, improve the surrounding road layout and prepare the area for future growth. Network Rail said the improvements will deliver a larger and more modern station, support additional services linked to East West Rail, create extra rail capacity for future schemes including the Cowley Branch Line, and provide safer and improved road arrangements.

Giles Clark, project director for Network Rail, said:

“This is a major milestone in our work to provide more capacity and better journeys for passengers in Oxford. We know getting to this stage has been a difficult journey for passengers and local residents, and I’d like to thank them for their ongoing patience as we install the new bridge. If you’re planning to travel via Oxford over the first week of February, please make sure to check your journey before travelling at National Rail Enquiries or with your train operator.”

Great Western Railway said services will continue to operate on some routes despite the disruption, although passengers should expect longer journey times due to the use of replacement buses.

Billy White, GWR Station Manager for Oxford, said:

“This new bridge over Botley Road is a really important investment in the long-term future of Oxford station and for the city as a whole. While some train services will be affected, trains will still run to London or the Cotswolds throughout as well as to Banbury, except on Sundays. During this period, replacement road transport will be operating for Banbury or Didcot Parkway from the long stay car park on Becket Street. At Didcot Parkway, trains will still be running between London Paddington and Cheltenham, South Wales or Bristol as well as services for the South Coast. It’s important that customers are aware that these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”

Image: Network Rail