Key Points
- Network Rail is replacing the railway bridge over the A420 Botley Road at New Oxford station to support future service improvements.
- The work will disrupt train services from Sunday 1 February to Sunday 8 February 2026.
- Replacement road transport will operate between Didcot Parkway and Oxford, as well as between Banbury and Oxford or Didcot Parkway.
- GWR trains will continue to run between Oxford and Worcester, Great Malvern or Hereford via Evesham, and between Oxford and Banbury (except on Sundays).
- Chiltern Railways services between London Marylebone and Oxford or Banbury will continue unaffected.
- GWR trains at Didcot Parkway will still serve London Paddington to the Cotswolds, South Wales, or the West of England.
- CrossCountry trains will operate between Bournemouth and Didcot Parkway, and between Banbury and Manchester Piccadilly.
- The new wider bridge will enable an additional line to serve a new platform under construction as part of the station expansion.
- The bridge replacement will also benefit road users and pedestrians on Botley Road, alongside a new western entrance.
- GWR’s station manager for Oxford, Billy White, highlighted the investment’s importance and advised planning ahead due to longer journey times.
- Network Rail Project director, Giles Clark, described it as a major milestone and thanked passengers for their patience.
- The Becket Street long stay car park will close during the rail replacement period.
- Pedestrian access through Oxford station will be maintained via temporary walkways during Botley Road closures.
Oxford (Oxford Daily) January 26, 2026 – Network Rail has announced the replacement of the railway bridge over the A420 Botley Road at New Oxford station, which will disrupt train services from Sunday 1 February to Sunday 8 February 2026. Replacement road transport will serve key routes including Didcot Parkway to Oxford and Banbury to Oxford or Didcot Parkway, while certain GWR, Chiltern Railways, and CrossCountry services will continue with amendments. The project aims to install a wider bridge to support an additional line for a new platform, enhancing future capacity at the expanding station.
What Triggered the Bridge Replacement at New Oxford Station?
Network Rail is undertaking the bridge replacement to bolster future service improvements at New Oxford station. As detailed in the official announcement, the existing structure over the A420 Botley Road requires upgrading to accommodate an additional railway line linked to a new platform currently under construction. This forms part of broader station expansion efforts, including a new western entrance.
The wider bridge will not only benefit rail passengers but also improve conditions for road users and pedestrians along Botley Road. Network Rail Project director, Giles Clark, commented:
“This is a major milestone in our work to provide more capacity and better journeys for passengers in Oxford.”
He further noted,
“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.”
Mr Clark urged travellers to check journeys via National Rail Enquiries or their train operator ahead of the first week of February.
When Will Trains Be Affected and What Are the Exact Dates?
The disruptions are scheduled from Sunday 1 February to Sunday 8 February 2026, marking a concentrated one-week period at the beginning of the month. During this time, standard train operations will face significant amendments, prompting the introduction of replacement road transport on specified routes.
All affected services will shift to buses between Didcot Parkway and Oxford, and between Banbury and Oxford or Didcot Parkway. GWR’s station manager for Oxford, Billy White, said:
“During this period, replacement road transport will be operating for Banbury or Didcot Parkway from the long stay car park on Becket Street.”
He emphasised,
“It’s important that customers are aware that these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”
Which Train Services Will Continue to Operate Normally?
Not all services will halt entirely, allowing some connectivity to persist. GWR trains will still operate between Oxford and Worcester, Great Malvern or Hereford via Evesham, and between Oxford and Banbury, with the latter exception applying on Sundays.
Chiltern Railways trains will continue running between London Marylebone and Oxford or Banbury without interruption. At Didcot Parkway, GWR services to London Paddington, the Cotswolds, South Wales, or the West of England will remain operational. CrossCountry trains will run between Bournemouth and Didcot Parkway, and between Banbury and Manchester Piccadilly.
Mr White added: “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.” These continuations ensure vital links persist amid the works.
How Will Replacement Transport Be Organised?
Replacement road transport has been planned meticulously to cover the disrupted segments. Buses will replace trains specifically between Didcot Parkway and Oxford, and between Banbury and Oxford or Didcot Parkway, operating from the long stay car park on Becket Street.
Passengers must note that the Becket Street station car park will shut for the duration of these rail replacement services. This closure aligns with the operational needs of the bus services, ensuring efficient pick-up and drop-off points.
Why Is This Investment Crucial for Oxford Station’s Future?
The project represents a significant long-term investment in Oxford’s rail infrastructure. GWR’s station manager Billy White stated:
“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.”
By enabling an additional line to serve the new platform, the bridge addresses growing capacity demands at the station. Coupled with the new western entrance, it promises enhanced accessibility and reliability for commuters, visitors, and freight alike. Network Rail’s efforts underscore a commitment to modernising regional transport amid rising usage pressures.
What Disruptions Should Passengers Expect on Botley Road?
Botley Road will face closures during the works, impacting local traffic. However, pedestrian access through Oxford station will be maintained via temporary walkways between platforms. This provision ensures station users can navigate safely despite the road works below.
Mr Clark reiterated the importance of forward planning:
“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.”
Such measures prioritise safety while minimising broader inconvenience.
Who Are the Key Figures Commenting on the Project?
GWR station manager Billy White has been vocal about the benefits and caveats. He described the bridge as pivotal for Oxford’s rail future and detailed replacement arrangements from Becket Street, while cautioning on extended journey times.
Network Rail’s Giles Clark framed the work as a milestone, expressing gratitude to passengers and residents for their patience throughout the challenging build phase. Both officials stressed proactive journey checks to navigate the changes effectively.
What Additional Benefits Will Local Road Users Gain?
Beyond rail enhancements, the wider bridge promises tangible improvements for Botley Road’s road users and pedestrians. The design facilitates smoother traffic flow and safer crossings, integrating with the station’s new western entrance.
This multifaceted upgrade positions Oxford station as a more resilient hub, supporting economic growth and daily commutes in the region.
How Can Travellers Prepare for the Changes?
Passengers are advised to consult National Rail Enquiries or their train operator for real-time updates. With journey times set to lengthen considerably due to road replacements, early planning is essential. The Becket Street car park closure further necessitates alternative parking arrangements.
Billy White reinforced: “Please plan ahead.” Giles Clark echoed this, highlighting the value of verification before travel.
