Motorists, businesses and residents face a longer wait before Botley Road reopens after Network Rail confirmed the major Oxford route will remain closed beyond the end of August.
The road had been due to reopen at the end of August following a revised construction programme announced in January 2025, which prioritised restoring access for traffic. However, newly identified work on the underground gas network has forced another delay.
During excavation work for drainage linked to the road improvements, three minor gas leaks were discovered on infrastructure owned by gas distribution company SGN.
Network Rail stressed the leaks were not caused by its construction work, but said the organisations had agreed it made sense to replace part of the ageing gas network now, rather than risk future emergency repairs that would cause further disruption.
The replacement work is expected to take between four and six weeks.
Network Rail and SGN are now working together to coordinate both projects, with a revised reopening date to be announced once the timetable has been finalised.
Despite the setback for motorists, there has been some progress on the scheme. Last week saw the opening of the new southern pedestrian walkway beneath Botley Road bridge, giving people on foot a more direct route between west Oxford and the city centre.
Tim Walden, Capital Delivery Director for Network Rail’s Great Western Route, acknowledged the frustration the latest delay would cause.
“We know this news will be deeply disappointing for residents, businesses and everyone who relies on Botley Road, and we’re very sorry for the continued disruption and uncertainty this will cause.
“Our teams, across SGN and Network Rail, are working as hard as possible to complete the remaining work and minimise delays, while keeping the community informed with regular updates.
“We expect the additional work to take around four to six weeks and are currently working on a plan so we can confirm the timings as quickly as possible.”
SGN’s work is intended to safeguard gas supplies to homes, businesses and the wider community by replacing a section of pipe beneath the road while the area is already excavated.
The latest delay is another blow for a project that has tested the patience of Oxford residents and commuters, although both organisations say carrying out the work now should help avoid more disruptive emergency closures in the future.
