As part of the ongoing work, Thames Water is currently digging additional trial holes on behalf of Kier, Network Rail's main contractor. These trial holes are used to gather information about underground conditions and infrastructure beneath the road. Thames Water will continue this excavation over the next five weeks, from Monday to Friday.
These additional trial holes are needed to allow Thames Water to confirm whether it is possible to move its water main connection point further west along Botley Road towards Osney bridge. The two previous locations identified by Kier have been rejected by Thames Water due to operational concerns that any temporary works could impact on Oxford's main water supply and sewer.
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Since July 2024 Network Rail has been working with both parties to try and secure agreement to identify alternative locations for the diversions of these key utilities that serve Oxford and Oxfordshire, in consultation with the bus companies and local authorities. The current work being carried out by Thames Water will determine whether a new alternative location is possible.
Following completion of the physical trial hole works, Thames Water and Kier will then require a further four weeks to validate the designs, cost, and programme to carry out the diversions.
Once this information is shared with Network Rail, discussions can continue with funders around potential options for the overall scheme.
