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.

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Sunday 1 – Sunday 8 February 2026: changes to train services and walkway route

Between 1 – 8 February, the existing Botley Road rail bridge will be demolished and replaced. This can only take place while trains aren’t running between Oxford and Didcot Parkway and with the walkway under the bridge temporarily diverted. 

This work is an essential part of the programme to reopen Botley Road in August 2026. 

Walkway diversion – Sunday 1 – Sunday 8 February  

  • The walkway between Botley Road and Frideswide Square will be closed. 
  • There will be an alternative, accessible diversion route through the station. 
  • There will be signs and marshals along the diversion route 24/7, to provide information and assistance. 
  • The route is step-free and accessible, with temporary bridges between platforms. 
  • Bike and scooter riders must dismount on the diversion route. 
  • Mopeds and motorbikes will not be permitted through the station. Please use alternative route: A4144 – A34 Western Bypass – A420.  

Train services – Sunday 1 – Sunday 8 February  

  • Buses will replace trains between Oxford station and Didcot Parkway 
  • Rail replacement buses will depart from Becket Street car park in Oxford. 
  • Some rail services to the north will be running. 

Our advice: 

  • Check before you travel at National Rail  
  • Allow plenty of time to get to your destination  
  • For further details about how train services are affected visit the GWR website

Our plans

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

Pedestrian routes – how to guides

Resident update sessions

Date
Time
Venue

Wednesday 21 January 2026

17:00 – 18:00

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

Wednesday 25 February 2026o

17:00 – 18:00

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

Tuesday 24 March 2026

17:00 – 18:00

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

Wednesday 22 April 2026

17:00 – 18:00

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

Work in progress

Botley Flyer

FREE accessible transport from Botley Road to Oxford City Centre.

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

For all journeys, the drive 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.

Archive

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.