The reopening of Botley Road had previously been planned for the end of August, following a work programme review in January 2025 which was necessary due to repeated delays. The road was shut at the rail bridge in April 2023 for work linked to a major upgrade of Oxford rail station, and was due to reopen on August 31 this year. The new Botley Road walkway (Image: Andy Ffrench)Since then, Network Rail and SGN have been working closely to integrate their programmes, and SGN’s work is expected to finish on Saturday, August 8. A new rail bridge was installed in February and a new southern walkway is now open, linking Frideswide Square with Botley Road. Former county councillor John Howson, who lives near the rail station, said earlier the announcement from Network Rail confirming the date for Botley Road to reopen would be "a damp squib bringing derisive cheers from residents and businesses".