Botley Road Reopening Delayed After Gas Leaks in Oxford

Network Rail has delayed the reopening of Botley Road in Oxford by an additional four to six weeks after discovering three minor gas leaks during drainage excavation. The road, which closed in April 2023 as part of a £237 million revamp of Oxford station, was scheduled to reopen on August 31, 2026. The infrastructure manager is now working with Southern Gas Networks to replace a section of the gas network and complete remaining works.

Network Rail recently opened a new southern walkway near the Botley Road rail bridge on July 18, 2026, to improve access for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users. While a second northern walkway is expected later this year, the road closure continues to disrupt the area. Some campaigners estimate the prolonged closure has cost local businesses up to £50 million.

Local officials reacted sharply to the latest delay. Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, described the news as "calamitous and catastrophic" and demanded a full explanation from the Secretary of State. Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, called the delay a "bitter blow," noting that the project had hit every milestone since January 2025. The postponement also stalls planned traffic filters by the county council that were dependent on the road reopening.