Network Rail granted powers to expand Oxford station

The Department for Transport (DfT) has granted Network Rail a Transport Works Act Order (TWAO), enabling the rail operator to formally acquire powers to expand Oxford station.This will allow Network Rail to begin the acquisition of land for the station, which is part of the Oxford Corridor Capacity Phase 2 project.According to a letter from the DfT announcing the decision, transport secretary Grant Shapps has decided that the TWAO is “justified on its merits” and there is a “compelling case in the public interest” to grant it.The letter adds: “The secretary of state is satisfied that the substantial public benefit with regard to public transport improvements and economic development outweigh the harm due to private losses. The secretary of state also agrees with the inspector that making the revised order would accord with relevant national, regional and local policies.”Shapps also acknowledged that the need is immediate to meet the December 2024 timescale for the enhanced Train Service Specification, including East West Rail (EWR).Network Rail submitted the TWAO application in June 2021, and appointed Kier to deliver its detailed designs and enabling works package in March this year.Kier is taking Phase 2C and 2D of the Oxford Corridor Capacity Phase 2 project though Governance for Railway Investment Projects Stage 5 – the detailed design stage – before a final funding decision is made by the DfT.Last May, the DfT approved £68.8M for designs, early delivery, enabling works and key property acquisition for the project. Network Rail’s estimates at the time suggested another £92.6M would be needed for the second stage and final delivery of the project.According to Network Rail, Oxford Station is close to capacity and will not be able to accommodate the increase in services planned for 2024 when EWR services are expected to begin operation.Work will see a new platform built as well as a new secondary station entrance on the western side of the railway, a replacement and upgrade of the Botley Road bridge which will include a 4m cycle and footway on each side and additional height clearance for vehicles.The works will also see the closure of two level crossings at Yarnton Land and Sandy Lane and the creation of three high-speed crossovers at Oxford North Junction. The measures will improve line safety, reduce journey times and increase capacity for an additional 12 freight trains per day.Oxford station currently handles 8.27M passenger journeys a year, and has seen an increase of 63% in use over the past decade. It is the fifth busiest station in Network Rail’s Wales & Western region.