Network Rail’s £231 million upgrade at Oxford station includes a new shared pedestrian and cyclist walkway, prompting police patrols and safety enforcement amid construction delays and safety concerns.
Network Rail has introduced a new four-metre-wide walkway shared by pedestrians and cyclists near Oxford station as part of a £231 million upgrade scheme. The walkway runs alongside Botley Road and is designed to significantly improve access compared to the narrow tunnel it replaces. Cyclists are asked to dismount while using the space, but some have been ignoring these instructions, leading to safety concerns. One pedestrian, Anne James, recounted being hit and injured by a cyclist who did not stop. In response, British Transport Police (BTP) have been recruited to patrol the area and enforce the dismount rule, issuing £30 fixed fines under section 72 of the Highways Act 1835 where necessary. Network Rail supports these measures and is working to enhance signage and marshal numbers to improve safety.
City councillor Susanna Pressel welcomed the police involvement, emphasising that enforcement is crucial for protecting vulnerable pedestrians, including those with reduced mobility who have reportedly avoided using the walkway due to safety fears. Marshals, while present, have no authority to stop cyclists who flout the regulations, highlighting the importance of the police role. Network Rail and local authorities continue to adapt and upgrade the route to increase user comfort as part of wider station improvement works, which include a new western entrance, a new rail bridge, and platform expansions to support future rail services.
The Botley Road scheme has faced delays, and the road itself remains closed until August 2026, disrupting local residents and businesses. Current construction activities involve rerouting utilities and preparing infrastructure for the railway bridge and station enhancements. Network Rail has confirmed that the first pedestrian and cycle route is projected to open by August 2025, and a second route will follow in 2026. These routes, once completed, will greatly improve sustainable transport links into Oxford, with segregated lanes and elevated walkways planned to enhance safety.
In addition to accessibility improvements, the project has faced engineering challenges. A Victorian brick arch larger than expected required redesigns, and proximity issues between sewer and clean water systems caused further delays. Despite this, construction continues with efforts to minimise inconvenience, including night-time security marshals, improved lighting and CCTV, and accessible transport services like the Botley Flyer bus. The overall scheme aims to boost capacity, improve the city’s transport environment, and future-proof infrastructure to accommodate growth.
Issues of safety and access near Oxford station have also been highlighted by incidents such as a recent case where a BMW was driven onto a pedestrian walkway beside Botley Road and became stuck, blocking the route and causing further disruption. The driver was arrested for drink-driving offences. This event underscored ongoing challenges in managing the complex and evolving construction site environment, and prompted calls from local politicians for continued vigilance to protect pedestrian access.
Together, these developments underscore the scale and complexity of upgrading a key transport hub while balancing safety, accessibility, and construction progress. The collaboration between Network Rail, British Transport Police, local councils, and community representatives aims to ensure that improvements benefit all users and that risks are managed proactively during this extended upgrade period.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release from Network Rail dated 31 August 2025, announcing the opening of a new four-metre-wide walkway at Botley Road in Oxford. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is 31 August 2025. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative has been republished across various outlets, including the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Magazine, indicating widespread dissemination. The inclusion of updated data may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([networkrailmediacentre.co.uk](https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-on-track-to-new-timeline-at-botley-road-as-walkway-opens-to-improve-access-for-all?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from Marcus Jones, Western Route Director for Network Rail, and Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council. These quotes appear in the original Network Rail press release dated 31 August 2025. The earliest known usage of these quotes is 31 August 2025. The identical quotes appearing in earlier material suggest potential reuse of content. ([networkrailmediacentre.co.uk](https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-on-track-to-new-timeline-at-botley-road-as-walkway-opens-to-improve-access-for-all?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, Network Rail, which is a government-owned company responsible for the UK’s railway infrastructure. The report has been disseminated through established news outlets such as the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Magazine, further supporting its credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative describes the opening of a new four-metre-wide walkway at Botley Road in Oxford, a project announced by Network Rail on 31 August 2025. The details align with the information provided in the original press release, including the request for cyclists to dismount and the involvement of British Transport Police to enforce safety measures. The inclusion of updated data may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([networkrailmediacentre.co.uk](https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-on-track-to-new-timeline-at-botley-road-as-walkway-opens-to-improve-access-for-all?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on a press release from Network Rail dated 31 August 2025, announcing the opening of a new four-metre-wide walkway at Botley Road in Oxford. The report has been disseminated through reputable outlets such as the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Magazine, and includes direct quotes from Network Rail and local council representatives. The content aligns with the original press release, and the inclusion of updated data may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
