Leader’s statement on the Botley Road reopening

Published Tuesday 15 September 2026

Following confirmation from Network Rail the Botley Road in Oxford will reopen on Sunday 20 September – over two years later than the original timetable deadline – Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, Cllr Bethia Thomas, has expressed her relief that the long overdue project was finally complete:

“It is with a huge sigh of relief I welcome the news the Botley Road is finally days away from reopening. Like so many local people, I have been deeply disappointed with Network Rail’s repeated failure to fulfil its promises about Botley Road.

“The whole saga has been beyond frustrating for so many of our residents – access to vital services in Oxford has become a significant challenge for many residents and businesses in the Vale.

“Unexpected things happen in any project – and we do appreciate public safety has to remain the top priority. However – enormous delays became the norm in this project – and I think some kind of lessons learnt to prevent future situations arising like this again would be called for. There are still serious questions to be answered to understand the management of the whole project; these need to be addressed and improved before the next phase of works start at the station.

“In the meantime, I for one am pleased to finally see this important access point open again and I’m sure I am not alone!”