The nine-day closure of Oxford railway station for track and signalling work will start this Saturday (July 29).

No trains will run to or from the station during the period, which lasts until next Sunday (August 6), with replacement buses in operation instead.

These will run between Oxford station and Oxford Parkway, Banbury, Didcot Parkway, Hanborough, and Leamington Spa. This route will only run until Friday, August 4.

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The closure is so Network Rail can install new high speed crossovers - where trains change track - to the north of Oxford station, between Walton Well Road bridge and Aristotle Lane footbridge.

The company said this would make it “quicker and easier for trains to get in and out of the station” and make way for an additional line and platform to be installed in 2024 to support additional train services through East West Rail.

The lineside signalling equipment will also be upgraded, while Osney Lane footbridge will be modified and some platforms in the station adjusted.

The upgrade is part of Oxfordshire Connect – the programme of work that is transforming the station and the surrounding area. 

Network Rail said it will be “supporting an increase in train services and ushering in a new era in passenger and freight train travel for the city and wider county.”

Industry programme director Clare Mahoney thanked “passengers, local residents and businesses for their patience.”