Oxfordshire Connect

We’re expanding Oxford station to enable an increase in train services.

The rail infrastructure in the Oxford Station area is near full capacity. It currently can’t support the start of East West Rail services. Through Oxfordshire Connect, the station is being expanded and the area upgraded, benefiting passengers and residents alike.

Jump to

Our plans

July 2026 update

In July 2026, it was confirmed that Botley Road 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.

Network Rail and SGN working closely to integrate their programmes. The two organisations will continue to work collaboratively to complete the remaining works as quickly and safely as possible.

In January 2025 we launched a new programme, focused around getting an improved walkway/cycleway created by summer 2025 and Botley Road reopened in summer 2026.

Our work to upgrade Oxford Station, expanding the railway infrastructure in the area and improving the local road network will bring:

  • A bigger, better station for everyone
  • More services with East West Rail
  • Additional rail capacity for the future
  • An improved and safer road layout

These upgrades will boost the economy in the long term with more rail services to support businesses, residents and visitors to the city. By extending the rail network across Oxford and Oxfordshire, they will also drive sustainability, improving access to fast, sustainable passenger and freight transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resident update sessions

Date
Time
Venue

Wednesday 19 August 2026

17:00 – 18:0

West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Road, Oxford OX2 0BT

Work in progress

Botley Flyer

Monday – Saturday

  • West Oxford Community Centre pick-up 10am, 12pm, 3pm
  • Magenta self-storage bus stop pick-up 10.05am, 12.05pm, 3.05pm
  • Elms Parade West Way bus stop pick-up 10.10am, 12.10pm, 3.10pm

City Centre return journeys starting at 11am, 1pm, 4pm

Sunday

  • West Oxford Community Centre pick-up 9.30am
  • Magenta self-storage bus stop pick-up 9.35am
  • Elms Parade West Way bus stop pick-up 9.40am

City Centre return journeys starting at 12.30pm

The Botley Flyer provides a free service to help people get into the city centre. On bank holidays, the Botley Flyer runs on the Sunday timetable.

For all journeys, the driver will make arrangements with passengers for return journeys before dropping them off.

Call 01865 768 329 to book a wheelchair space. Or email OxfordFeedback@networkrail.co.uk for more information

Sign up for email updates

Please sign up for our regular email updates.

Our privacy notice applies to the personal information that Network Rail collects about you, or that you provide to us. It explains how and why we use your personal information, who we disclose it to and how we protect your privacy.

Presentations and Newsletters

Following feedback from residents and other audiences we are archiving the presentations we give to residents, businesses and council leaders on this page. They’ll be available for all to view from January 2025 onwards.

Contact us

If you have any questions or require more information about the scheme, email us at: OxfordFeedback@networkrail.co.uk or visit our contact us page.