Oxford train station to benefit from £161m renovation
Plans for a massive renovation of Oxford train station to increase its capacity will cost £161 million.
This is according to Network Rail, who have said that the infrastructure at Oxford Station is currently close to capacity and will be unable to accommodate an increase in services planned for 2024.
Their answer to this problem is ‘Oxford Corridor Phase Two’, which will add a new platform and station entrance, as well as the replacement and upgrade of Botley Road Bridge to add a 4-metre cycle/footway on each side.
The height clearance of the bridge will also be raised to allow double decker buses to pass underneath and the adjoining Roger Dudman Way will be realigned to create a safer road layout at the junctions to Botley Road.
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The plans also suggest closing the level crossings at Yarnton Lane and Sandy Lane, along with the creation of three high-speed crossovers at Oxford North Junction which will improve safety, reduce journey times and increase capacity for both passenger and freight services.
With these works in mind, the company is planning to close the station on the following dates:
- Friday 9 September to Monday 12 September
- Friday 16 September to Monday 19 September
- Friday 23 September to Monday 26 September
- Saturday 1 October to Monday 3 October
Mike Gallop, Network Rail’s western route and strategic operations director, said: “We recognise there may be some disruption to both passengers and nearby residents while we make these upgrades who we’d like to thank in advance for their patience and understanding.
“We will ensure we continue to communicate any changes to services and notify residents of any forthcoming work that may impact them.”
Network rail are holding a community drop-in event on Friday 19 August to give locals the opportunity to comment on the plans. Network Rail have also released a 45-minute video presentation on the plans, which can be viewed on their website.
Oxford's Local Enterprise Partnership is providing £10 million of the funding for the project, which is also one of the first projects to be delivered through the Government’s SPEED (Swift, Pragmatic and Efficient Enhancement Delivery) scheme which launched last year.
Rail minister, Wendy Morton said: “This £161m will truly transform the region, increasing the number of services for passengers, boosting economic growth by connecting people to new opportunities and increasing freight services between the South and Midlands.”
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