A multi-million pound scheme to improve Oxford railway station will close Botley Road in Oxford for a year.
The county council and Network Rail have agreed that closing the road from January to December at Botley Road rail bridge is the best course of action.
In September, Network Rail announced that there would be an initial 14-week closure starting from November 12.
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But now an unprecedented year-long closure has been announced, starting in January, so that contractors are given an uninterrupted period of time to complete all the work they need to before Christmas 2023.
This includes re-routing utilities - water, electricity, gas and broadband - replacing the rail bridge in the summer, finishing work on Osney Bridge, and starting building work on the new western entrance of the station.
Network Rail said the year-long closure was the 'most likely' scenario.
While drivers and buses will still be able to access Botley Road, they will not be able to get through to Frideswide Square, and drivers in the square will not be able to access Botley Road.
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A bus turning circle could be created where Station Grill, formerly Mick's Cafe, is situated.
Network Rail said in a statement: "While there is still detailed work to be done to finalise our plans for what is a very complex project, the most likely scenario now is that the road under the bridge will be closed to all vehicles, apart from emergency services, for 12 months from January to December 2023.
"We appreciate the need to set out our plans in detail so people can plan ahead, but we also need to take the time to meet with those who will be impacted the most, so that we can understand their requirements and how we can help.
"More detailed information about why this is required will be communicated to local community in November via letters, briefings and drop-in sessions."
The county council has acknowledged that other routes including Abingdon Road will get busier as a result of the closure.
It said in a statement: "Detailed discussions (with Network Rail) led to the conclusion that there should be a 12-month road closure of the Botley Road for the duration of the work.
"Due to scale and nature of the works on the highway, including the need to divert vital utility services such as water, gas and electricity, the impact on Botley Road will be significant. Network Rail plan to publicise further detail in mid-November.
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"During discussions with Network Rail, the county council fully explored a traditional approach of a series of lane closures under temporary lights.
"However a condensed 12-month programme with a point closure of Botley Road for the duration of the work is considered preferable as it reduces risk to timeframe/programme.
"This method of accommodating the railway work would preserve access to businesses and services along Botley Rd and minimise the likelihood of the substantial queuing that would occur with just lane closures. Such queues would then ultimately impact on A34 and bus journey times."
The currently proposed start date for the works and closure is January 9.
The statement added: "Pedestrian and cycle access through the closure points is planned to be maintained throughout - although the specific route through work may change. It is planned that buses will operate to either side of the closure so those on through journeys will need to do a short walk and change buses.
"Emergency service access will be provided with the specific arrangements likely to vary depending on the stage of works.
"It is expected that the other main routes into Oxford will get busier. Limited road works 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 will be strongly promoted for those visiting Oxford."
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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