New through platform for Oxford in £69m plan
A NEW through platform and west entrance have been announced for Oxford as part of a £69m plan to improve capacity and journey times. Funding is being provided by the Department for Transport and work could begin in 2022.
A new track and an additional platform will be created alongside the existing platform 4 on the west side of the station complex, along with a new western entrance from Botley Road. The extra platform will also provide additional new capacity for East West Rail services from 2024.
Within the £69m budget, money has been allocated to replace the 13ft (4m) overbridge adjacent to the station on Botley Road while at the same time lowering the road to permit double decker buses underneath for the first time. Redesign of Botley Road will include a four-metre wide cycle/footpath to encourage sustainable transport and improve safety.
To the north of Oxford, two level crossings at Sandy Lane and Yarnton Lane will be closed and three high-speed crossovers will be installed at Oxford North Junction. All of these changes will help reduce journey times by up to two minutes, and the whole scheme will create paths for up to 12 additional freight trains per day.
Consultations have begun with local residents ahead of a planning application to Oxford City Council. Further funding is required for the full implementation of the scheme and the Full Business Case for the project will be submitted to DfT later this year, with a decision on final funding expected in spring 2022.
Claire Mahoney, Network Rail programme director, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding. With Oxford station close to full capacity, these plans for a new platform and western entrance are key to enabling an increase in passenger services, such as East-West Rail, paving the way for wider development.”