This contract award re-establishes the longstanding historic relationship between Kier and Network Rail. It is the first to be awarded to Kier outside of the existing Network Rail frameworks.

Kier will take Phase 2C and 2D of the project through Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP) Stage 5 ahead of a final funding decision, expected in the coming months.

Phase 2C Botley Road enhancement includes the replacement of the existing railway bridge spanning Botley Road with a new, wider structure with a 4m wide cycle/footways on either side of the road.

The highway will be lowered to allow double-decker buses to pass underneath the bridge for the first time.

Phase 2D platform 5 and station improvement works will involve the construction of an extra platform and overhead canopy, a new western station entrance, ticket office, waiting room, toilets, café and shops, alongside the construction of a subway to connect the western entrance to the new platform.

This package includes the demolition of buildings surrounding the station, road alignment works including the replacement of Sheepwash Bridge, to improve safety at the junction with Botley Road.

Mark Pengelly, Group managing director at Kier Infrastructure, said: “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.

“Kier will be working alongside our strategic design partner WSP to develop the detailed design and carry out enabling works for the project, combining our knowledge and expertise of complex civil engineering in the rail sector to deliver safely, while minimising the level of disruption to the travelling public and nearby businesses.”