New ‘West London Orbital’ Overground rail route ‘on schedule’
The West London Orbital would use existing rail lines that run from West Hampstead and Hendon towards Hounslow.
Councillors responsible for transport in Brent – Cllr Krupa Sheth - and Barnet - Cllr Alan Schneiderman - gave an update on the proposals yesterday (November 5).
They said that work on the trainline is “progressing well”, with completion expected by the early 2030s.
It comes just days before a new station that is planned to serve the new Overground route opens.
Thameslink services will stop at Brent Cross West from Sunday (December 10)[1] – but it is hoped it can provide a key link in the West London Orbital in a decade’s time.
In a joint statement, Cllr Sheth and Cllr Schneiderman said: “The West London Orbital could enable much faster travel between some of West London’s most dynamic growth areas – for example linking Brent Cross West and Old Oak Common Lane within a 13 minute journey – and enable West Londoners, including some of the most deprived communities, to access a much wider range of economic opportunities.
“The scheme would help support much needed new housing, including in major growth centres such as Staples Corner and Neasden, and provides significant opportunities to reduce road congestion and improve local air quality.”
The final route is yet to be revealed, but current plans would see trains stop in Cricklewood, Neasden, Harlesden, Acton, Brentford and Isleworth – 15 stations in total.
In some instances, existing platforms will be used but new stations would be required at Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common and Lionel Road.
TfL and Network Rail are working with West London Alliance to help deliver the new Overground route.
References
- ^ Thameslink services will stop at Brent Cross West from Sunday (December 10) (www.kilburntimes.co.uk)