Overview
- Network Rail confirmed late on Wednesday that excavations for drainage uncovered three minor gas leaks on SGN’s network and that SGN will replace a section of pipe beneath Botley Road.
- Network Rail said the gas‑main replacement will add an estimated four to six weeks to the existing schedule and that a revised reopening date will be published on July 29.
- The delay means Oxfordshire County Council cannot start the traffic‑filter trial planned to replace the temporary congestion charge, so the charge will remain in place until the road reopens.
- Local MPs and campaigners reacted angrily, with Layla Moran demanding explanations from the transport secretary and community campaigners calling for greater accountability for repeated deadline changes.
- The works form part of a wider, costly Oxford station upgrade — including a new rail bridge installed in February and a new southern walkway now open — that has extended from an original 12‑month closure to a multi‑year, £237m programme.