Network Rail has announced the next stages in solving problems that have arisen during works to widen Botley Road railway bridge in Oxford.

These focus on Thames Water’s sewer and mains connections, and the utility is currently excavating more ‘trial holes’ on behalf of Network Rail’s principal contractor, Kier.

These trial holes enable information to be collected about the underlying ground conditions and services below the road, and Thames Water will continue boring more trial holes on weekdays, Monday to Friday only, for the next five weeks.

Thames Water requires these additional trial holes so it can confirm whether the water main connection point can be moved further west along Botley Road towards Osney Bridge.

Thames Water rejected two previous locations identified by Kier because of operational concerns that any temporary works could affect Oxford’s main water supply and sewer.

Network Rail, in consultation with local bus companies and local authorities, has been working with both parties since last July to try to secure an agreement to identify alternative locations to where these key utilities that serve Oxford and Oxfordshire could be diverted.

The current work that Thames Water is carrying is designed to determine whether it is possible for the utilities to be diverted to a new alternative location.

After the physical trial hole works have finished, four more weeks will be required by Thames Water and Kier to validate the designs, cost, and draw up a programme to carry out the diversions.

Once everything has been confirmed and the information has been shared with Network Rail, discussions will take place with funders to determine potential options for the overall scheme.

Widening of Botley Road bridge is part of a £161 million upgrade of Oxford station.

“We apologise for the continued disruption and are grateful for the support and patience of the community whilst we undertake these works. We want to give clarity to residents, businesses and stakeholders as soon as possible. The work currently being carried out by Thames Water is vital to helping to find a way forward for this project. We will keep residents and the local community updated on any further developments as this work takes place. “

Francis McGarry, investment director Wales & Western at Network Rail