Oxfordshire Connect

Following yesterday's update about resurfacing Abbey Road, Cripley Place and Cripley Road we are looking to split the phasing in two. So, we would start with Cripley Road and Cripley Place, enabling parking to still be available on upper Abbey Road. And then vice versa. We are just working with contractors on the exact phasing and will share that as soon as possible.

*Road resurfacing and bus service arrangements*

As you may be aware, we set up a working group some weeks ago, attended by resident representatives, local councillors, bus companies and the city and county councils. The focus of the group is to look at the impact of running the bus diversion here; to consider mitigations to reduce disruption and to look at alternative options. We continue to consider alternatives but at this time, Abbey Road remains the preferred solution.

As agreed in the working group we would like to undertake resurfacing work on the following sections of road (see map in comments below). These works will provided an upgraded road surface and reduce noise and vibration. The material chosen is a unique asphalt surfacing solution that offers better load spreading ability from heavy traffic and will prevent wheel track deformation.

For the past few days Thames Water has been repairing the water pipe, and during this time we have been supporting buses to turn on Ferry Hinksey Road. We would now like to undertake resurfacing work on certain sections of the road to repair any damage caused by the flooding, as well as to generally improve the road surface. This is planned to take place as follows:

• 8am to 5pm, every day, Monday 23 June – Saturday 28 June
• No work on Sunday 29 June
• 8am to 5pm on Monday 30 June and Tuesday 1 July

We appreciate the resurfacing work will be disruptive. We’ve arranged alternative parking for residents who are on the affected roads need it, which we hope will help. This will be at (map in comments below) either:

• Becket Street car park
• Network Rail land on Roger Dudman Way

Buses are then due to return to Abbey Road, Cripley Road/Place on Wednesday 2 July.

The resurfacing work will use premium materials that will reduce noise and vibrations from passing buses when they return in two weeks’ time. The material will also withstand the demands of heavy traffic better than the old road surface.

Following feedback from residents about safety concerns, we will be implementing a number of improvements over the next fortnight while the resurfacing work is taking place, including:

• Reducing the speed limit to 10mph for buses, supported by digital speed indicator boards. Drivers’ speeds will also be monitored remotely by bus companies to highlight any repeat offenders.
• Requesting bus drivers to turn engines off whilst standing or waiting at traffic lights.
• Installing a shroud on the Abbey Road traffic lights, to discourage drivers from speeding to get through a green signal, as the sight line will be reduced.
• Converting the junction at Cripley Place leading onto Abbey Road to a stop junction
• Replacing temporary signs with semi-permanent ones. This will clear pavements and ensure signs are more visible and easier to obey.

We have also recommended that Oxford City Council, who undertake the maintenance of your roads on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, for them to significantly increase the frequency of their road inspection regime. This will allow earlier reporting of any damage and quicker resolution.

Thank you for your patience during the last week following the water pipe burst.

Thames Water has installed a temporary compound on Frideswide Square; they are carrying out works on the sewer to resolve a blockage, unrelated to our main works. Thames are due to finish this work on 9th July.

This week's newsletter is out! Included in this edition...

* Update on water pipe burst on Cripley Place
* Rail Minister re-visits Oxford
* The latest construction work

Read it all here: https://s606665.t.en25.com/e/es?s=606665&e=29149&elqTrackId=efd74c1a1b7a40299e524d6e5aa03bea&elq=e7ff4c6090c3489e8ffe1f39819299a7&elqaid=22296&elqat=1&elqak=8AF5EAFEDFD6BEA27747BA23CDEE88167CFDA2F253E5CB880DE50B20FC679615E196

Buses will be picking up and dropping off at Ferry Hinksey Road, instead of Botley Road, until further notice. This does mean a longer walk for people. We can't currently turn buses in the normal location following the recent Thames Water pipe damage on Abbey Road, Cripley Place and Cripley Road, until the road is resurfaced. We will provide an update as soon as we have one. Thank you for your patience.

As a precautionary measure, we are advising all residents to fill up jugs and other carriers with water, in case of the fresh water being cut off. Thames Water engineers are on site trying to fix the problem as soon as possible. We have sandbags on site, so please just see one of the team on the road if you need anything.

We're aware that a water pipe has burst on Cripley Place and there is a significant amount of water in the road. We called Thames Water as soon as we became aware. Their engineer is on site isolating the water pipe. This is high priority for them and they will be planning to get it fixed as soon as possible. Due to the work required, they'll likely be working through the night. When we have more info we'll share it.

Following their commitment in January to return to Oxford, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy and our chief executive Sir Andrew Haines will visit the city to meet residents and businesses on Friday 13 June. The meeting will take place as follows:

Friday 13 June
11.15am – 12.00pm
Said Business School, Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HP.

Booking via Eventbrite is necessary to collate details for the venue and to ensure the room’s capacity isn’t exceeded.

Bookings are on a first come first served basis and are limited to two per person.

Bookings will close at 5pm on Thursday 12 June, or earlier if fully booked.

Book here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/oxford-station-enhancements-project-update-june-2025-tickets-1388093738739?aff=oddtdtcreator) with Eventbrite booking or scan the QR code above.

Water supply - Monday 9 June

Thames Water’s contractor, Barhale, has recently been doing testing of the new high pressure fresh water main. This work has resulted in needing to replace an air valve on the system.

They will be doing this work on Monday 9th June between 9am and midday. During this time there may be a loss of water supply to residences on Cripley Road. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Pic of the Day is Oxford's Tunnel of Doom by West Oxford artist Deborah Williams who will be exhibiting with WocArt during the May festival (Artweeks venue 158, www.artweeks.org/v/deborah-williams-oas).
You can see all the festival venues and more at www.artweeks.org

📯Our latest newsletter is out 📨

Including…👇

👷‍♂️Work on new rail bridge foundations this weekend
🚉Platform 4 resurfacing work on Saturday night
🚲Traffic lights for cyclists on western side of walkway
🚌No Botley Road Flyer service on Monday due to Bank Holiday

👉 https://s606665.t.en25.com/e/es?s=606665&e=28249&elqTrackId=efd74c1a1b7a40299e524d6e5aa03bea&elq=f44a0c50f8f540fc99e061ce4b4d8a6e&elqaid=19863&elqat=1&elqak=8AF52E07210F35FAD02BAA75C396816E5C18331C45E99DEC129528E4DCCECC17F5FE