Pictured above: CGI proposed design for Oxford station (courtesy: Network Rail)
The rail infrastructure in the Oxford Station area is close to full capacity and currently wouldn’t be able to accommodate the increase in services planned for 2024. Therefore, to increase capacity, ‘Oxford Corridor Phase 2’ is being developed, and subject to funding, will provide a number of improvements.
Key benefits outlined by Network Rail include:
- New platform with improved passenger facilities to significantly improve station capacity from 2024.
- New secondary station entrance on the western side of the railway to improve accessibility and passenger experience.
- Replacement and upgrade of Botley Road bridge, with addition of four-metre cycle/footway on each side to encourage walking and cycling.
- Additional height clearance of new bridge will mean standard size double-decker buses will be able to pass underneath for the first time.
- Realignment of Roger Dudman Way to create safer road layout for junctions with Botley Road.
- Closure of level crossings at Yarnton Lane and Sandy Lane, as well as creation of three high-speed crossovers at Oxford North Junction. This will: 1) Improve safety of the line, 2) Create capacity for additional Oxford to Birmingham passenger services, 3) Reduce journey times by up to two minutes, and 4) Increase in capacity to accommodate an additional 12 freight trains per day.
Network Rail have been carrying out public engagement with various stakeholders, including a virtual public meeting where the project team talked through the plans. You can watch and download the presentation below.
Further information about the plans will be announced over the coming months, but if you have any questions, contact Network Rail via: [email protected].
