The Government has agreed to spend £161 million on the Oxford Railway Station renovation as well as the surrounding rail system. The cash comes after the issuance of a Transport Works Act Order. This would allow Network Rail to considerably improve Oxford Station, the Oxfordshire Railway, and the surrounding road network.
The majority of the work will be completed by Kier, who has already begun preliminary work, including utility diverting. JP Dunn Construction, a Surrey-based groundworks company, has been hired for the project.
Oxford Railway Station renovation works (phase 2C&D) include:
- Platform 4 expanded with a new track and platform, forming an island platform on the west side of the station. The construction of a new western station entrance next to Botley Road that connects to the new platform by an elevator, stairwell, and tunnel.
- Enhancements to the local road system included the replacement of Botley Road Bridge which included lowering the road. This will allow the first-ever passage of typical double-decker buses below.
- Reduced travel times as a result of the installation of three new crossovers at Oxford North Junction that permits trains to change lines.
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The Station renovation project is part of the government’s new SPEED initiative
One of the first projects to be completed under the government’s new SPEED initiative—Swift, Pragmatic, and Efficient Enhancement Delivery—is Oxford Station. This attempts to cut the cost of project delivery. It will also cut the length of time it takes to execute a rail infrastructure project. Additionally, this will assist local communities in improving themselves through investment.
The Botley Road renovations are anticipated to be finished by the end of 2023. Further, it will be followed by the new platform and entrance, which is scheduled to open in 2024. Work at the station will start later this year. “A new entrance, new additional track, and platform, and improved accessibility will transform this station. Thus it is fit for the 21st century. Much more, it significantly enhances its capacity for increases in passenger numbers and future services such as East West Rail,” said Mike Gallop, Network Rail‘s Western route and strategic operations director.
