Author: Emma Gascoigne

Gloucester station subway set to close until the summer

10 March 2023

Long-waited improvements to the subway at Gloucester station are set to begin next week, Monday 13 March, as part of the wider multi-million pound station improvement project.

The work will include removing the blind corner in the subway and making it step free so that it is fully accessible to all. It will also include better lighting and CCTV.

The subway will be closed throughout the work and will not reopen until late summer.

During this period members of the public will need to use London Road, Bruton Way and Great Western Road as an alternative walking route. This will add about six minutes to the journey. Rail customers will continue to use the station throughout and station car parks are unaffected.

The project is the next phase in the development and improvement of the station and is jointly funded by GFirst LEP, GWR, Network Rail, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester City Council and the Department for Transport.

Chair of GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, Ruth Dooley said:

“It’s taken a long time to get to this point, but we are really excited now to see the final stages of the Station Improvement Project get under way. This phase will create a direct, accessible and safe route from the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital through to the transport hub and on to Kings Quarter and the City Centre and is another important step in the on-going regeneration of Gloucester.”

Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, said:

“After campaigning for this for over a decade I’m very pleased that work on the underpass starts next week and am sure changes will be a huge improvement.

“I’m also pleased that technology means local residents can use a smartcard to walk through the station for free. Do sign up now!”

Rail customers will still be able to use the bridge through the station. This includes holders of our Pay As You Go smartcard. Details of how to apply for the smartcard are on our website https://www.gwr.com/your-tickets/smart-tickets/payg. The card ensures the best daily or weekly walk-on fare (calculated automatically) for rail users, and will also allow access through the station.

Ben Scott, GWR Station Manager for Gloucester, said:

“Working together we have been able to build on the previous investment and pave the way for further improvements. This would not have happened without the combined efforts of local government, national government, the rail industry and the local enterprise partnership.

“This is a perfect example of how working collaboratively can support the communities we serve to thrive.”

Robin Basu, Network Rail’s project sponsor, said:

“We’re proud to be working with Gloucestershire County Council, Great Western Railway and other key partners to facilitate improvements to Gloucester station.

“Step free access to the subway will mean that the station is accessible for travellers and give passengers more journey opportunities.

“Effective, accessible transport links are vital and we will continue to work with GWR and other partners to enhance and improve Gloucester station for all passengers.”

The subway improvement is one part of a wider £6 million project which has included new junctions and a new station entrance, and will include further work on the station forecourt to support greener, more sustainable ways of travelling to the station, including upgrading access for pedestrians and buses.

Network Rail reveals new timetable for closures of Oxford’s Botley Road

3 March 2023

Road to be closed to through traffic for several months in 2023 and 2024 for Oxford Station redevelopment

Oxford’s Botley Road will be closed to through traffic for seven months from Tuesday 11 April to allow Network Rail to begin work on its £161 million redevelopment of Oxford Station and rail upgrade.

Network Rail has issued an update about its plans to replace the rail bridge over Botley Road in Oxford, as part of its wider project to expand the station on the western side. It will involve full closures of Botley Road to through traffic for several months at a time in 2023 and 2024.

Network Rail has had detailed discussions with the government and Oxfordshire County Council and is now working to a new approved project timeline:

  • 11 April 2023 to the end of October 2023: Botley Road closure for through traffic for utility diversion work.
  • March 2024 – October 2024: Botley Road closed to through traffic for highway work.

Network Rail originally planned for a 12 month closure starting in January 2023, but this had to be amended due to the complexities involved.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “It is great to hear we have confirmed dates from Network Rail for work to start to redevelop Oxford Station. It will improve capacity for passengers and freight and is vital for the development of projects such as East West Rail and other improvements.

“As with any project of this scale, it will inevitably mean disruption – in this case the closure of Botley Road for two significant periods. While this cannot be avoided, we will do all we can to minimise the impact on the rest of the road network. We will work closely with Network Rail and our other partners, such as the bus companies, to keep the city moving during this period.”

The county council is assessing the impact this may have on the timing of its own schemes in and around Oxford. The traffic filters trial in Oxford, approved by the council’s cabinet, will now be delayed. It cannot start until after Botley Road has fully reopened to traffic in autumn 2024.

It is expected that the other main routes into Oxford will get busier. Limited roadworks on these roads will be allowed to help mitigate this. Further parking/loading restrictions may also need to be considered. Use of bus and park and ride services will be strongly promoted for those visiting Oxford.

Between 11 April and October 2023 while the first closure is in place:

  • Motorists who usually use Botley Road to get into the city are advised to use the Seacourt Park and Ride or take an alternative route.
  • Buses will turn around just before the rail bridge allowing passengers to continue their journey into the city centre on foot.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists will have access throughout the work.
  • Network Rail is working with emergency services on access arrangements.
  • Residents’ access to their homes will remain at all times, with some diversions in place.

Work is continuing to take place to look at how to ease the pressure on the rest of the road network and further details will be released as soon as they are available.

Claire Mahoney, Programme Director for Oxfordshire Connect at Network Rail, said: “Replacing the bridge at Botley Road near the station in Oxford is a critical part of the works required to improve the station for the city, increase rail traffic in Oxfordshire and improve the highway for buses into the city. There was never going to be an easy way to do this work, it’s extremely complex and needs to be carefully coordinated with multiple utility companies.

“We’ve split the work into two parts this year and next year, so that we reduce the impact on the city’s residents. We’re working closely with the city and county councils, and transport providers, so it’s easier to work and move around during the closure, but we know this is going to inevitably cause disruption. We urge residents and businesses to understand the impact on them and plan ahead whilst the works are in place.”

It is hoped that work to repair a water main on Osney Bridge on Botley Road, involving Thames Water and the Environment Agency, can be arranged during this year’s closure to avoid further disruption for road users in the future.

For information on the project visit networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect or for the latest highways information www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordstation

Anyone wishing to get the latest information on the project can sign up to receive e-mail updates at lineside.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect

Oxford railway station: New schedule revealed for redevelopment

2 March 2023

As part of a £161million station and railway upgrade, Botley Road will be temporarily closed near Oxford station from 11 April until the end of October to enable station and track improvements and highways redevelopment.

Network Rail, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council are encouraging motorists and Oxford residents to plan ahead as the £161m Oxford rail station and railway area upgrade programme gets underway in earnest on 11 April.

The rail station and railway upgrades, part of the Oxfordshire Connect programme, involves building a bigger and better Oxford station, expanding the railway to allow more rail services for passengers and freight and reduce journey times in the future. The road network near the station will also be improved to create safer junctions with Botley Road, encourage sustainable transport by enhancing bus travel as well as providing more space for cyclists and pedestrians through the addition of a four-metre cycle/footway on each side of the main road.

This will require the replacement of the current bridge at Botley Road by the station so that an additional railway line can be added into the station and buses, cyclists and pedestrians can more easily access the city centre. Before the bridge is physically replaced next year, 11 different utility providers must divert their infrastructure that currently runs underneath the existing bridge and Network Rail must undertake other preliminary works.

Between 11 April and the end of October:

  • Motorists that usually use Botley Road to get into the city are advised to use the one of the city’s Park & Ride sites (Seacourt is closest as it is located on Botley Road), to take an alternative route into the city or may wish to consider catching the train instead from a local station with parking
  • Buses will turn around just before the rail bridge and use the existing bus stops on Osney Island
  • Pedestrians and cyclists will have access into the city throughout the work
  • Local residents’ access to their homes will remain at all times, with some diversions in place
  • The railway station will be open throughout the works with rail services operating as normal, unless otherwise advertised.

In the autumn this section of Botley Road near the station will reopen until it closes again in the spring of 2024 for the bridge to be demolished, replaced and highways improvements made.

When the works are complete by the end of 2024, Oxford station will boast a new western entrance that will be built next to Botley Road and will link up to the new and existing platforms via a subway. The new entrance will make the station more accessible to people living to the west of the station, reducing the current walking time. Dedicated cycle parking will also be available.

As part of the plans the road network will also be improved near to the station as the railway bridge above Botley Road will be replaced and the road lowered to enable standard double-decker buses to pass underneath for the first time. A four-metre wide cycle/footpath will also be installed on each side to encourage sustainable transport and improve safety.

Network Rail, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council have jointly agreed the revised programme of works.

The original plan was for a 12-month closure starting in January 2023, but this was reviewed in light of the complexities involved in diverting the utilities and feedback from communities.

The new plan gives some respite by splitting the road closures while still delivering the railway improvements which are vital for Oxfordshire, on schedule for the end of 2024.

The plan also means that most of the work will be completed during spring/summer months meaning less of an impact on school and university terms.

Claire Mahoney, Network Rail programme director for Oxfordshire Connect, explained: “Undertaking this work to enable the replacement of the bridge at Botley Road near the station in Oxford is a critical part of the works required to improve the station for the city, increase rail traffic in Oxfordshire and improve the highway for buses into the city.

“There was never going to be an easy way to do this work, it’s extremely complex and needs to be carefully coordinated with multiple utility companies as well as Thames Water and the Environment Agency who are undertaking other works close by. We’ve split the work into two parts this year and next year, so that we reduce the impact on the city’s residents.

“We’re working closely with the City and County councils, and transport providers so it’s easier to work and move around during the closure, but we know this is going to inevitably cause disruption. We urge residents and businesses to understand the impact on them and plan ahead whilst the works are in place.”

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “It is great to hear we have confirmed dates from Network Rail for work to start to redevelop Oxford Station. It will improve capacity for passengers and freight and is vital for the development of projects such as East West Rail and other improvements.

“As with any project of this scale, it will inevitably mean disruption – in this case the closure of Botley Road for two significant periods. While this cannot be avoided, we will do all we can to minimise the impact on the rest of the road network. We will work closely with Network Rail and our other partners, such as the bus companies, to keep the city moving during this period.”

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council said: “This work is critical to our plans for creating a sustainable transport network across Oxford and Oxfordshire and for improving the national rail network. However, I do not underestimate the immediate impact this will have on residents and businesses in and around the city.

“We will continue to engage with the County Council on their plans to mitigate the impact of the closure. While I understand some pre-emptive traffic management measures will be put in place, regular monitoring across the network will be essential to enable them to make additional rapid responses to address issues caused by the closure.”

The project timeline is as follows:

  • April to October 2023 – Botley Road part closure until end of October for utility diversion work
  • 29 July to 6 August 2023 – Track work and prep work for new platform – rail services impacted. Alternative travel arrangements and advice will be publicised in advance
  • March to October 2024 – Botley Road closed for highway work
  • August 2024 – Four-day rail closure for bridge replacement.

For information on the project please go to networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect or for the latest highways information www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordstation

Anyone wishing to get the latest information on the project can sign up to receive e-mail updates via https://lineside.networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect

Historic investment into Moreton-in-Marsh transport hub

6 October 2022

A quarter of a million-pound investment from Cotswold District Council will help transform the area around Moreton-in-Marsh train station into a transport hub for the North Cotswolds.

Cotswold District Council has agreed to pass on a £250,000 developer contribution towards Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council’s plans to refurbish Redesdale Hall and develop the railway station into an innovative transport hub.

Cllr Juliet Layton, Cabinet Member for Development Management and Licensing, said: “This is a historic investment into Moreton’s infrastructure and it comes after years of housing development which has changed the face of the town.

“Many local people are fed up that these developments haven’t had the adequate infrastructure to support people already living in the town and those people making their home here.

“Moreton-in-Marsh railway station has the potential to become a key stop in the North Cotswolds. Combined with bus services, walking and cycling routes, there is potential to create a sustainable transport hub to benefit the wider area.

“Community transport is available on a very limited scale in the Moreton-in-Marsh area and does provide an excellent service for those most in need. However, there is scope to further expand transport so that residents are better connected to key growth areas and sustainable interchange hubs such as Moreton-in-Marsh railway station. No one should feel isolated because they can’t get around.”

Cllr Clive Webster, Ward Member for Moreton West, said: “I’m delighted to see this contribution toward the Moreton Transport Hub, which will help residents get into town more sustainably by bike or foot while offering rail commuters a better place to park than the High Street or residential roads.

“This project should give the extra parking and transport capacity to enable improvements to the High Street which will boost local business and recapture some of the lost heritage and character of the town.”

The funding came to Cotswold District Council from a developer contribution as part of the construction of the Fire Service College. The Council has decided to allocate this funding to Moreton-in-Marsh proposals to improve the transportation and social wellbeing of the town.

To progress the Town Council’s plans, funding is required for the project to reach the stage where there is a suitable design for the Transport Hub to apply for and achieve planning approval.

This will be funded from a combination of Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council reserves, a proportion of the £250,000 from Cotswold District Council, Great Western Railway and other third-party contributions.

Once the initial stages are concluded, central government grants or other third-party funding will be sought to progress the main works which are estimated to be in the region of £3m for the wider station area. Design consultants are due to be appointed in September 2022.

Redesdale Hall, which is used as a cultural meeting space for the community, currently requires extensive refurbishment. The Town Council’s plans include expanding the capacity of the hall to keep in line with the demands of the growing population of Moreton-in-Marsh.

Total project costs for Redesdale Hall including building stabilisation, roof replacement, internal regeneration and improvement to public realm surroundings are estimated in the region of £3m. The scheme is already underway using the Town Council reserves to fund design costs. Some of the funding from Cotswold District Council will also be used to fund the early stages of the Redesdale Hall scheme.

Cllr Layton added: “The Redesdale Hall is an important part of Moreton’s street scene and holds a special place in the hearts of many local people. I’m pleased that we can offer a cash boost to help with its renovation and restoration.”

Harriett Baldwin calls for Government rethink on doubling the North Cotswold line

19 May 2022

Speaking during Transport Questions, Harriett Baldwin calls on the Government to look again at the compelling strategic outline business case for doubling the North Cotswold line between Oxford and Worcester.

Local Transport

Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)

15. What steps he is taking to improve local transport services. (900116)

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Trudy Harrison)

Driving improvements to local transport services is vital to levelling up. That is why we have committed £5 billion this Parliament to do that.

…

Harriett Baldwin 

Given the growing popularity of the Worcestershire Parkway station, which is at the intersection of the North Cotswold line and the Cross Country line, will the Minister ask her colleague’s officials to look again at the compelling strategic outline business case for doubling the North Cotswold line between Oxford and Worcester?

Trudy Harrison 

The £500 million restoring your railway fund is supporting more than 45 schemes in England and Wales by providing funding and advice. In answer to her question, it would probably be most appropriate for her to have a meeting with the relevant Minister, the Minister of State, Department for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton).

More information here

Get on Board and back our bid!

27 March 2022

Worcestershire County Council is calling on the public to get behind its bid for Worcester Shrub Hill to become the home of the headquarters for Great British Railways (GBR).

Dozens of towns and cities across the country, including Worcester, entered a competition in March   to provide the national home for the new organisation to run the railways.

Gary Woodman, Interim Assistant Director of Economy, said, “Over the last 10 years Worcestershire has been making tremendous strides to improve our rail connectivity. We have seen the creation of Worcestershire Parkway, the first new rail station in the county for over 100 years, as well as work to modernise Kidderminster station have been completed and now developments are being planned for Shrub Hill Station.

“All these developments are helping to make rail travel more accessible for all those who live, work and invest in Worcestershire and we need members of the Worcestershire community to support the county’s bid to be the home of the Great British Railways to help further amplify Worcestershire’s status across the country, so that we can continue our case to improve the county’s physical connectivity.”

Worcestershire’s bid focusses heavily on the plans to completely transform the historic Shrub Hill Quarter which has the 1850 built railway station at its heart. The works at Shrub Hill will see the rebirth of one of the largest Midlands brownfield sites, bringing new homes and jobs.

Worcestershire County Council owns historic, rail industry, Grade II buildings next to Shrub Hill Station and these would offer GBR modern, bespoke, attractive, sustainable and flexible choices for its HQ making it a special setting for the headquarters.

As well as demonstrating a rich railway heritage, good connectivity and value for money, a successful bid must also be able to show public support, so people across Worcestershire are being encouraged to back the Worcester Bid.

The council is asking people to get involved by taking a short survey, indicating why you think the HQ should be based in Worcester. This will help ensure that there is a foundation on which to build a public vote campaign if Worcester is shortlisted.

The shortlisted entries will be announced in May 2022 and Ministerial visits will take place to the shortlisted areas in the same month. The public will then be asked to vote for the winner. The overall winner will be revealed in the summer.

Oxford station’s £161m expansion plan backed

12 November 2021

A £161m plan to build a fifth platform and a new entrance at Oxford station has been supported by councillors, further showcasing the need to put into actions plans being put forward by the North Cotswold Line Task Force.  

Network Rail wants to build the new platform on the station’s west side and will bid for further funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Pending that funding, which is expected in spring 2022, the redevelopment could be completed by the end of 2024.

Oxford City Council’s planning committee approved Network Rail’s prior approval application at a meeting on Tuesday.

The redevelopment would include the new platform, a second station entrance, a ticket office and shops.

A new, wider rail bridge would also be built over Botley Road.

It would provide direct services to the east of the city on the Oxford to Milton Keynes-Bedford line.

Mike Gallop, Network Rail’s western route and strategic operations director, said: “Our plans are vital for the future development of the city, but also stretch much wider around the county and supporting economic growth across the country.”

MP questions Minister on North Cotswold line redoubling

9 September 2021

Harriett Baldwin seeks an update on conversations between the Department for Transport and the Treasury on the business case for redoubling a stretch of the North Cotswold line.

Land purchased for new transport hub at Moreton-in-Marsh

22 March 2021

Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council and Great Western Railway have today announced the joint purchase of the brownfield site neighbouring Moreton-in-Marsh Railway Station.

In a deal that is the first of its kind for the rail operator, they have provided 50% of the funding needed to secure the previous Royal British Legion site for the benefit of the town and the railway.

Councillor Eileen Viviani MBE, Chair of Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council said:

“We are delighted to see this investment in Moreton.  It is an important step forward in our long term plan to reduce congestion and improve our High Street for residents and visitors alike.

“This follows on from our consultation with residents in the summer and is great news for the local economy, for the environment and for residents.”

Plans are in place to bring the site into use in phases to create an integrated transport hub on the site, delivering low carbon, high quality transport options, helping to alleviate congestion in the Town making it easier to visit and use the High Street.

Partnering with GWR helps to bring forward Phase one of the scheme to create 50 car park spaces along with 50 cycle parking spaces.

Business Development Director for GWR, Tom Pierpoint said:

“Purchasing the land with the Town Council means that we can now work with them and with Cotswold District and Gloucestershire County Council to develop integrated travel solutions.  We are committed to this area. We want to see Moreton-in-Marsh thrive and you cannot get more rooted in the community than by buying land here.”

Cotswolds District Council Leader Cllr Joe Harris said:

“This is great news for Moreton-in-Marsh. The District Council is keen to see investment into communities such as Moreton that haven’t had the infrastructure they deserve despite lots of housing being built. The purchase will not on help improve the town but will also mean better transport options for the North Cotswolds. It is a bold move and one we are happy to support; we now look forward to working in partnership with the Town Council and GWR to develop ideas for the integrated transport hub.”

Cllr. Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member Environment and Planning at Gloucestershire County Council said:

“Gloucestershire County Council are keen supporters of the North Cotswolds Line Task Force who have ambitious plans to improve rail services for Moreton and the whole of the North Cotswolds line. This investment supports those plans and it is great to see Moreton at the forefront of improvements particularly those that support reductions in carbon. We are delighted to be part of the group now working to take forward plans for the site and I congratulate the Town Council and GWR on making this important first step.”

Local MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has welcomed the announcement that Moreton-in-Marsh Town Council has purchased the Royal British Legion site adjacent to the railway station.  He has been a long term supporter of more investment in rail and improving services for residents and visitors and said “This fits perfectly with the Government’s agenda to build back better and to promote active, sustainable travel.  It will be good for the local and regional economy and I am delighted to see the Town Council and Great Western Railway working collaboratively to deliver lasting improvements for the town.”

Pictured:  Cllr Viviani and Tom Pierpoint at Moreton-in-Marsh station

The North Cotswold Line Task Force in Modern Railways

18 September 2020

In the August edition of Modern Railways, Ian Baxter, Strategy Director at SLC Rail, reports on how the Task Force is working in partnership together.

Read the article here.