This summer we completed a nine-day upgrade to track and signals around Oxford station.
These improvements, alongside the station expansion and bridge works, are vital to enable an increase in services in the area, and to prepare for the East West Rail project which will initially connect Oxford with direct trains towards Bletchley and Milton Keynes.
What work was completed?
During our nine-day upgrade in Summer 2023 (29 July – 6 August), we installed high speed crossovers, updated signals and made changes to Osney Lane footbridge. We demolished the old brick pillar to make space for installation of track that will later serve the new platform 5. We then installed a new pillar, which involved excavating foundations and construction using prefabricated blocks which were lifted into place by crane. We will replace the walkway at the first opportunity when we have further access to the track to do so safely.
The work carried out in this summer upgrade is the first major step in increasing capacity to allow for an increase in trains in the near future.
In 2024 an additional railway line will be installed and the Botley Road bridge will be replaced.
Follow up work
With our summer upgrade complete we now have follow up shifts at weekends where we will add the finishing touches:
- 00:50 Sunday 15 October – 04:45 Monday 16 October
Work includes further use of our tamping trains to compact the stone around the track, as well as work to stress the last bits of track to increase their strength and resilience. We will also install the walkway at Osney Lane footbridge.
Please be aware that details for work in 2024 are still being planned and agreed. We will update this page with more details once these are confirmed.
How will this work affect me?
Train services will be affected on three Sundays for follow up work in 2023. Further details are provided below in the Travel arrangements section.
Demolition, construction and track work can be very noisy at times and we apologise in advance for any disruption caused. In addition to the project-specific contacts provided below, you can also call our 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 to report an issue.
Travel arrangements on all affected days
No trains will run to or from Oxford station. Replacement buses will be in operation between Oxford and:
- Banbury
- Didcot Parkway
- Hanborough
- Leamington Spa (Saturday 29 July – 13:15 Friday 4 August only)
- Oxford Parkway
Replacement buses will leave at different times to the usual train timetable with longer journey times so make sure you check carefully before travelling.
Check before you travel
Further travel advice is available on the Oxfordshire County Council website:
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Contact us
If you have any questions or require more information about the scheme, you can email us at: OxfordPhase2@networkrail.co.uk or visit our contact us page.