LCWO welcomes the improvement of Oxford train station together with the widening of the underpass for cyclists and pedestrians. These actions will bring a number of significant benefits to local residents in the longer term, including assisting in the reduction of personal CO2 emissions, through increased train availability and a safer cycling route under the railway bridge, the site of cycling injuries and loss of life in the past.

We recognise that the closure of Botley Road will cause major disruption and uncertainty to local residents, and we urge stakeholders to take a sensitive approach to closures and to consider those with particular needs such as reduced mobility, but not to disrupt the speed of improvement works. The ongoing need to work together remains paramount.

We urge all stakeholders, including Network Rail, Kier, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to complete the improvements without further delay.

What is LCWO doing in response to the closure?

For our part, LCWO is exploring ways in which the closure might provide opportunities to support longer term changes in car use, cycling and walking habits.  We are thrilled to have received a Low Carbon Hub large grant of £5000 towards our project to purchase an electric cargo bike for use by the West Oxford Community.  We are currently in negotiations with WOCA regarding a home for the bike between rentals, and hope to get the scheme up and running soon.  The closure of the road was mentioned in the award of the grant, as the bike will provide a great way for residents to transport items between West Oxford and the Town Centre whilst the bridge is closed to other types of vehicle.  More news soon!

Links to relevant information and updates:

Network Rail: www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/western/oxfordshire/oxford-corridor-phase-2/

Sign up for email updates from Network Rail here: https://lineside.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect

Bus information:

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/oxfordshire/botley-road-closure
https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/botley-road-closure