Delay in Botley Road Project Sparks Calls for Inquiry and Legal Action
The Botley Road project, delayed until October 2024, faces scrutiny from local councillors advocating for legal action and an inquiry into Network Rail's management of the project.
The project was originally scheduled for completion in October 2024 but has faced multiple delays. Councillor Lois Muddiman, who put forward the motion, stated it was "abundantly clear" that the company had "completely underestimated" the scale of the project.
She further remarked, "...the City Council should explore whether there is potential legal action that could be taken against Network Rail and call for a public inquiry into the failings of the project." Muddiman, representing the ward encompassing Botley Road, emphasized that residents deserve "nothing less".
Additionally, Oxfordshire County Council has indicated it will evaluate how the revised timeline affects its own schemes in and around Oxford, which include six trial traffic filters.
On Friday, Marcus Jones, the managing director of Network Rail's Western route, expressed his apologies for the disruption experienced by residents, communities, and businesses. The company has asserted that the new timeline will allow for "the necessary utility diversions," enhancements to Botley Road, the replacement of Sheepwash bridge to support more rail services, and the construction of a new platform five.
They have also committed to delivering "a much-improved walkway - almost 4x the size of the old one," set to open in the summer, providing "much more space to get into and out of the city".
