Starting on the 29th July, Oxford station will undergo a nine-day intensive overhaul of its track and signalling system, marking a milestone in the enhancement of both passenger and freight train services for the city and the wider county.

The upgrades, part of the Oxfordshire Connect project, will improve the efficiency and capacity of the station and the surrounding areas.

The planned work, extending from 29th July to 6th August, includes the installation of new high-speed crossovers to the north of Oxford station, between Walton Well Road bridge and Aristole Lane footbridge. In addition, lineside signalling equipment will be upgraded, modifications will be made to the Osney Lane footbridge, and alterations will be carried out on the station platforms.

The upcoming installation of high-speed crossovers will expedite the movement of trains in and out of the station, laying the groundwork for an additional track and platform set to be installed in 2024. These upgrades are crucial in preparing for increased train services through East West Rail.

During this period of intense work, no trains will serve Oxford station. Replacement bus services will be in operation between Oxford and several other stations, including Banbury, Didcot Parkway, Hanborough, Leamington Spa (from 29th July to 13:15 on 4th August only), and Oxford Parkway. Due to schedule alterations, passengers are advised to consult www.nationalrail.co.uk for up-to-date travel information.

Since April, Botley Road has been closed at the rail bridge to accommodate the initial stages of the work, including the rerouting of utility services such as water, gas, and electricity. Current work at the site has been temporarily halted due to the discovery of an extensive brick arch underneath the road surface, necessitating an evaluation by engineers for its safe removal.

Once the utility services have been successfully diverted, Botley Road will undergo another closure next year to facilitate highway improvements. This includes the introduction of the four-meter-wide designated cycle and pedestrian paths on both sides. Further track upgrades are also planned, along with the installation of a new, wider bridge on Botley Road to accommodate the additional railway line.

Clare Mahoney, Network Rail‘s industry programme director said: “This nine-day period of 24-hour working is a really important milestone in the Oxfordshire Connect Programme and we thank passengers, local residents and businesses for their patience while this work is completed. It is a vital enabler for the upgrades that will follow and crucial preparation for the introduction of East West Rail.”

Billy White, Great Western Railway’s station manager for Oxford, said: “We thank customers in advance for their patience as Network Rail continues work which is crucial to the wider redevelopment of Oxford station.

“The Oxfordshire Connect programme will help to transform the travel experience for the millions of customers who use this station every year.

“We strongly advise passengers to check their journey carefully if they’re travelling during this period, as replacement buses will be operating on all routes through Oxford and journeys will take longer than normal.”

Huw Margetts, CrossCountry‘s regional director for West & Wales, said: “I want to thank passengers in advance for their patience while these important improvements are made to the rail network at Oxford. Replacement buses will mean journeys will take longer than usual during the nine-day closure, so I’d ask passengers to check before they travel and leave more time for their journey.”

For more information about Oxfordshire Connect visit www.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect