Plans for a new Overground line linking Hounslow with Hendon have taken a step forwards, after Sadiq Khan confirmed this week that “feasible solutions” have been identified for “all elements” of the project.
The ‘West London Orbital’ scheme would create a new rail route through the capital’s western suburbs, and TfL hopes to see the line carrying passengers by the early 2030s.
But the project will require hundreds of millions of pounds to get off the ground, as well as further design work.
If built, the line is proposed to start in Hounslow before following the existing South Western Railway route through Isleworth, Syon Lane and Brentford. A new station could then be created at Lionel Road, near Gunnersbury Park, with services also suggested to run from the nearby Kew Bridge on a short separate branch.
The route would link up with the existing Overground network at South Acton, travelling northwards to Acton Central and on to the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common.
From there, the service would call in at Harlesden and Neasden, before potentially splitting in separate directions - with one branch to Hendon via Brent Cross, and the other to West Hampstead via Cricklewood.
The project would utilise an existing route known as the Dudding Hill line, which is currently used to carry freight and has no scheduled passenger services.
An update on the scheme was given by Mr Khan in response to a written question from Gareth Roberts, a Liberal Democrat on the London Assembly.
Mr Roberts had asked what conversations the mayor has so far had with the Government and private investors to ensure the project receives the necessary funding. In 2021, Transport for London (TfL) estimated the total costs at between £430m and £610m.
The mayor said this week: “TfL continues to work in partnership with the west London boroughs on developing the West London Orbital project.
“The current stage of development is now nearing completion, including confirmation of the costs of the scheme. This work has confirmed there are feasible solutions for all elements of the project. The partners are now looking at progressing to the next phase of design, subject to availability of funding.
“To deliver the scheme, funding would be needed from local sources and national Government as well as TfL/GLA [Greater London Authority]. The Government is aware that West London Orbital is one of my priorities for expansion of London’s transport network.
“There are limited opportunities for private investors given the nature of this project. However, I expect contributions from commercial developments that would benefit from the project to be secured to assist with funding its delivery.”
