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Wednesday 29 Jul 2026

Network Rail sets new date for Botley Road reopening

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Great Western

Network Rail has confirmed today that Botley Road in Oxford will reopen to traffic on Sunday 20 September.

The reopening of Botley Road had previously been planned for the end of August, following a programme review and revision in January 2025 that prioritised reopening the road to traffic.

However, during excavation work relating to drainage for the new road layout, three minor gas leaks were identified on part of the gas network owned by SGN.

In the interests of safety, and to avoid disruptive and unplanned repair work in the future, Network Rail agreed to accommodate SGN's essential work to replace a section of the gas network beneath Botley Road, alongside the completion of the remaining construction work.

Since then, Network Rail and SGN have been working closely to integrate their programmes. SGN’s work will finish on Saturday 8 August.

Network Rail will then complete their remaining works safely and as quickly as possible. Further updates will be provided as work progresses. 

Tim Walden, Network Rail Great Western Route's Capital Delivery Director, said:

"We know the continued closure of Botley Road has had a significant impact on residents, businesses and everyone who relies on this route, and I'd like to apologise again for the additional disruption this has caused.

"While there is still important work to complete, we now have a clear target for reopening the road and our teams remain focused on delivering the remaining programme safely and reopening Botley Road as soon as possible."

ENDS