The prospect of a nifty new London Overground line has been the talk of the town for the best part of two decades. But it seems as though the wheels have finally been set in motion as a rather sizeable step chug has just been taken in the direction of making it a reality.
The new line on the block would come in the form of the West London Orbital, and would serve as a ‘major missing link in west and northwest London’. Transport for London has now launched an 8-week public consultation, allowing Londoners to put their two cents in on the proposals for the very first time.
The proposed plans would see an 18.5km-long passenger route set up shop on railway lines that are currently only used for freight. If all goes to plan, the new overground route could run up to six trains an hour, providing some pretty handy interchanges and thus utterly transforming the city’s transport network.
West London Orbital
The relatively rapid route would ferry Londoners across the north and west of the city, running from Hendon to Hounslow via the likes of Neasdon, Acton, and Brentford. The West London Orbital would become the seventh branch of the London Overground, and – subject to funding and approvals – four new stations would be created along the line (Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common Lane, and Lionel Road). Additional platforms would also be added at the existing Hendon and Brent Cross West stations to facilitate the exciting new line.
As I’m sure you can imagine, creating an entire London Overground line doesn’t come particularly cheap. The West London Orbital is currently estimated to cost between £800 million and £900 million. In return, however, the project is anticipated to support the delivery of thousands of new homes and new jobs, as well as inject up to £1.3 billion into the economy.
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, said: “The Mayor and I are delighted that TfL is taking this important first step in proposals to add a brand-new line to the London Overground network, utilising a line currently only used for freight to transform travel in north and northwest London.
“As well as connecting communities and improving access to vital places like schools, hospitals and transport hubs, this innovative rail project means we can drive regeneration and growth not only along the new route but across our great city – unlocking homes, jobs and opportunities.
David Rowe, Director of Investment Planning at TfL, said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for people to shape the future of this new London Overground round. By making better use of existing rail infrastructure, we can improve connections between communities and support growth across west and northwest London.
“We want to ensure that everyone understands the proposals and has the opportunity to share their views. All feedback will be carefully considered as we continue to develop the scheme with our partners.”
The public consultation closes on November 18. You can find out more and have your say here.
