TfL wants your thoughts on a new Overground line.
You’ve possibly heard of the West London Orbital. The proposed line — which could be operating as early as the mid 2030s — would run from Hendon down to Hounslow, passing through the future HS2 and Elizabeth line hub of Old Oak Common. We’ve written an explainer on it here.
Today (23 September) TfL has opened an eight-week public consultation, inviting the public to learn more about the plans, and provide initial feedback.
10 years or fewer does not sound long to build an 18.5km Overground line from scratch, but much of the route is already in place. The rails themselves exist as sections of various freight/passenger lines, meaning the project wouldn’t be as labour intensive as some. New stations would, however, be needed at Neasden, Harlesden, and Old Oak Common, as well as at Lionel Road, next to Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium (a boon for travelling fans, no doubt).
TfL says that the line would “fill a key missing link” in London’s rail network, as well as “unlocking” all the usual jobs and homes. Trains would run up to every 10 minutes, and as well as linking Hendon with Hounslow, the line would join with the Jubilee line (at Neasden), the Central line (at North Acton), the Elizabeth line (at the yet-to-open Old Oak Common), as well as various National Rail and other sections of the Overground.
You can take part in the consultation here. It closes on Wednesday 18 November.
