Track and signal upgrades to affect journeys through Oxford for nine days
Great Western Railway (GWR) is warning passengers that track and signal improvement works will affect journeys through Oxford for nine days from this weekend.
Between Saturday 29 July and Sunday 6 August, Network Rail will carry out track and signal upgrades around Oxford station. The works are part of Network Rail’s Oxfordshire Connect Programme which will see a new platform and western entrance at Oxford, transforming the travel experience for the millions of people who use the station.
While the works take place, no trains will be able to run to/from Oxford. A limited number of long-distance trains between London Paddington and Worcester will run, using a diversionary route. Trains will continue operate from Didcot, for connecting replacement bus services, and from Hanborough.
An extensive replacement bus operation will help to keep passengers moving on routes between Didcot Parkway, Banbury and Hanborough as well as between Oxford and Oxford Parkway.
GWR Regional Station Manager Billy White thanked passengers in advance for their patience and advised them to plan ahead before travelling.
He said:
“These works are part of a big programme to improve the railway in Oxford, but we understand the consequences this will have on our customer’s journeys and we thank them for their patience during this time.
“Buses will replace trains throughout the Oxford area while Network Rail carry out these improvements, and we encourage passengers to check their journey beforehand.”
After the core work has been completed, further closures will need to take place on the Sundays of 13 August, 10 September and 13 October.
Clare Mahoney, Network Rail’s industry programme director said:
“This nine-day period of 24-hour working is a really important milestone in the Oxfordshire Connect Programme and we thank passengers, local residents and businesses for their patience while this work is completed. It is a vital enabler for the upgrades that will follow and crucial preparation for the introduction of East West Rail.”
Further information on these engineering works can be found at GWR.com/OxfordUpgrades
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Notes to editors
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us