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Cowley Branch Line

Enabling infrastructure

£135m –confirmation required by 2024

Not yet funded £135m confirmation required by 2024

The project

Reopening of passenger services on the branch line, with two new stations to Oxford Littlemore and Oxford Cowley, 7 and 9 minutes from Oxford Station, with potential for direct services through to London Marylebone.

The opportunity

Offers a direct rail connection into Oxford West End from Oxford Science Park and business park, ARC Oxford, connecting existing communities and between 6,000 to 10,000 planned new homes.

Progress

The Outline Business Case, commissioned by the Department for Transport and delivered by Network Rail, concluded in October 2022 and was shown to offer high value for money. Network Rail started work on the Full Business Case in April 2023, and this is expected to be successfully concluded by November 2024. If funding for implementation is secured in 2024 with a “Decision to Deliver”, the target date to entering service would be December 2026.

Other projects

Oxford station (western side)

Oxford Station – western side

A new track, platform, ticket hall and wider bridge over Botley Road.

… Learn more about Oxford Station – western side
a train pulling into Oxford Station behind the car park

Oxford Station – eastern side

A new track and platform, main station building, bus interchange and walking and cycling provision, and an enhanced public realm.

… Learn more about Oxford Station – eastern side
A replacement wider bridge over the Bulstake Stream on Willow Walk

Osney Mead and Thames active travel

A number of different schemes that enhance the usability and attractiveness of quiet active travel (pedestrian and cycle) routes in the… Learn more about Osney Mead and Thames active travel

a cyclist in the city

Botley Road bus and cycle enhancements

Highway improvements that aim to reduce bus journey times and provide a safer and more attractive route for cyclists and… Learn more about Botley Road bus and cycle enhancements

The 'mini TESA' launchJohn Cairns via Oxford University

The Energy Systems Accelerator (TESA)

A new multi-disciplinary hub, the first of its kind in the UK, where organisations can come together to innovate in… Learn more about The Energy Systems Accelerator (TESA)

Burying or diverting power lines

Osney Mead is crossed by two power lines that could be buried or diverted.

… Learn more about Burying or diverting power lines
River Thames Bridge and path works CGI

Oxpens River Bridge and path works

This new bridge is proposed between Oxpens and Grandpont Nature Park. It is designed as a shared space for both… Learn more about Oxpens River Bridge and path works

River Thames surrounded by green shrubs and walking path

Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme

One of the biggest flood schemes currently planned in England. Working with the natural floodplain to the west of Oxford,… Learn more about Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme

two people enjoying Broad Meadow experimental public space

Movement and Place Interventions

The Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan identified a need for a Movement and Place Framework. This study will integrate all planned… Learn more about Movement and Place Interventions

a bus and pedestrians in Oxford

Traffic Filters Trial

Camera enforced points on identified roads that will require private vehicles passing through to have a permit.

The scheme aims to… Learn more about Traffic Filters Trial

A bus moving through a city. Greener ways to travel.

Zero Emission Zone

Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council have introduced a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in Oxford to improve air quality,… Learn more about Zero Emission Zone

Workplace Parking Levy

An annual charge to businesses for staff parking spaces at their premises. Businesses with 11 or more staff parking spaces… Learn more about Workplace Parking Levy

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The Energy Systems Accelerator (TESA)The 'mini TESA' launchJohn Cairns via Oxford Universitya cyclist in the cityBotley Road bus and cycle enhancements