UK: Network Rail has awarded Kier Infrastucture a contract for works at Oxford station as part of the Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Project.
Kier will take Phase 2C and 2D of the Oxford Corridor project through to GRIP Stage 5 ahead of the final funding decision by the Department for Transport, which is expected in the coming months. Network Rail has an option to then award Kier the contract for GRIP 6-8 (implementation), which would take the contract value to £65m excluding VAT.
The infrastructure manager told Rail Business UK that its proposals had ‘already been approved by Oxford City Council, and we await the outcome of the public inquiry and funding decision from government before construction can proceed’.
Kier will be working with design partner WSP on the contract, which is the first to be awarded to Kier outside of existing Network Rail frameworks.
Phase 2C of the programme is the Botley Road enhancement, which includes replacement of the existing bridge over the road. The new structure will be wider, with 4 m wide cycle/footways on either side of the road which will be lowered and realigned to provide clearance for double-decker buses. The existing footbridge will also be replaced.
Phase 2D covers station improvement works including the construction of platform 5 along with a full length canopy, western station entrance, ticket office, waiting room, toilets, café and shops, as well as a subway to connect the western entrance to the new platform.
The package includes the demolition of buildings surrounding the station, and road alignment works at Roger Dudman Way, including the replacement of Sheepwash Bridge, to improve safety at the junction with Botley Road.
‘The Oxford Corridor Phase 2 Project is of national significance given its focus to improve passenger journeys, not only to the north and south, but also to the east and west due to the link with East West Rail’, said Mark Pengelly, Group Managing Director at Kier Infrastructure.
