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Friday 17 Jul 2026

New wider walkway opens at Botley Road in Oxford

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Great Western

A new wider walkway has opened between Frideswide Square and Botley Road in Oxford this afternoon. 

One of two new walkways set to be introduced as part of Network Rail’s work to replace the bridge at Botley Road next to Oxford station, it has a paved section for pedestrians along with a tarmacked section for bikes and scooters.

The northern walkway will now be temporarily closed whilst the final pieces of work in order to open the second walkway are completed.

Chris Nash, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said:

"The opening of this new walkway is an important step forward for people travelling to and from Oxford station. Once the project is completed, there will be two new, wider walkways/cycleways, providing safer and more convenient routes for pedestrians, cyclists and scooter users.

"We know the Botley Road closure has had a significant impact on local residents, businesses and passengers, and we'd like to thank everyone for their continued patience while we complete this complex programme of work.

"With the project now nearing completion, we're focused on delivering the final stages of work that will improve access through the area, support future rail services and create a better experience for everyone travelling through Oxford.”

Work at Botley Road to improve future capacity and unlock new rail routes from Oxford is now nearing completion. Local residents and station users can received email updates on progress by signing up at: https://lineside.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect.

ENDS