The Labour MP for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds met with Network Rail and the Rail Minister Lord Hendy today to push for the reopening of the Botley Road. Anneliese has repeatedly raised the delays to the scheme with Network Rail and others. Today was the first time that a Rail Minister has come to Oxford to hear from local residents and businesses.

The Rail Minister and Network Rail apologised for the extremely long time that the scheme to add a new train track and platform, widen the railway bridge, and deepen the road has taken. They explained the reasons behind the delay in detail, before setting out a clear plan of action to deliver the project and reopen the Botley Road by August 2026. The Rail Minister also committed to ensuring a new, much-improved pedestrian and cycle path would be opened this August – and that targeted financial help would be provided to local businesses.
Although the Botley Road is in the Oxford West & Abingdon constituency, its closure impacts all of Oxford and beyond. It has made traffic worse across the city – causing delays, pollution, inconvenience, and far slower journeys for anyone walking, cycling, or driving locally. The closure has caused major problems for local businesses, too. They have been hit by difficulties in getting stock and customers in, and there are concerns about their visibility.
During the meeting, Anneliese emphasised the need to move as quickly as possible following the prolonged delays – and to listen to and communicate with residents and business owners. The transparency at the meeting was welcome, and it needs to be followed up with much more information being available in the future. The Rail Minister has called on Network Rail to set up monthly meetings with key local decision-makers and stakeholders, and said he would push Thames Water to reveal their work plans over the next 6 months to the public. Network Rail and the City and County Councils also committed to working together to improve the standard of communication with local people.
After the meeting, Anneliese said: “Residents and businesses will understandably be disappointed that they will still have to wait for many months – indeed, until August 2026 – until the Botley Road will finally be reopened. But at last, for the first time today we heard directly from a Minister here in Oxford, about what had gone wrong, including apologising for the delay. And this morning, he showed that he is gripping onto this project and pushing Network Rail to deliver. I’ve noticed a palpable difference in communication from the Government on these issues since the Minister came in. It was right that he came to Oxford to see for himself how much of an impact the closure has had on local people and businesses.”
“It became clear from this meeting that much of the delay has been caused by Thames Water and their clean water and sewage pipes under the site. More needs to be done for Oxford’s residents to feel confident that this project will not go down the same route as other Thames Water projects in the city. Network Rail have made an important step today in holding themselves accountable for the mistakes that have been made so far on this project.I will be working with the neighbouring MP, Layla Moran (whose constituency covers the railway station), on ensuring that we hear the same from Thames Water.”
“I also want to see that the new path for pedestrians and cyclists will open on time as promised this August. I have heard many complaints about the current, small and cramped route. The financial compensation mentioned today must get to the businesses that need it, too.”
Residents and businesses with concerns have been encouraged to contact Network Rail at oxfordfeedback@networkrail.co.uk with their views and experiences. A further meeting is set to take place in-person, for local residents, on Wednesday 29th January.