Mayor Sadiq Khan blocks West London Orbital extension beyond Hounslow
The decision keeps the proposed Overground line limited to the Hendon‑Hounslow corridor, despite TfL’s claim it would enable 25,000 new homes.
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On 15 October 2024 the Mayor of London announced that Transport for London will not pursue an extension of the West London Orbital beyond Hounslow. The statement was made during a London Assembly session and was reported by MyLondon. The decision stops any plan to push the line into Twickenham or Feltham.
Mayor’s reasoning
TfL West London Orbital plans face calls for Twickenham extension
Transport for London is consulting on the proposed new Overground service connecting Hendon and Hounslow.
Mayor Sadiq Khan explained that TfL examined the possibility of extending the route but identified “constraint issues on capacity on the railway west of Hounslow”. He added that the South Western Railway lines serving Windsor and Reading are already heavily used, and an extension would require a reduction in those services.
“"TfL have considered an extension to Twickenham or Feltham but there are constraint issues on capacity on the railway west of Hounslow,"”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
TfL’s core proposal
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TfL released details of the core Hendon‑to‑Hounslow line earlier in the year. The agency said the route will act as a “key missing link” in the capital’s rail network and will support the construction of 25,000 homes. Between Hendon and Hounslow the line will stop at Brent Cross, Neasden and Harlesden.
A further stop at Old Oak Common Lane is planned to provide an interchange with the Elizabeth line and the forthcoming HS2 services. The proposed Lionel Road station is intended to give easier access to the Brentford Community Stadium on match days.
What happens next
The consultation on the Hendon‑Hounslow corridor remains open. Residents of the affected neighbourhoods, including those in Brent Cross, Neasden, Harlesden and surrounding areas, can submit comments to TfL until the consultation closes on 30 November 2024. After the deadline, TfL will publish a revised draft route and timetable for further scrutiny.
Questions this report answers
+What did the mayor decide about the West London Orbital extension?
Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that TfL will not extend the West London Orbital beyond Hounslow, ruling out proposals for Twickenham or Feltham. He cited capacity constraints on the railway west of Hounslow as the reason for the decision.
+How many homes does TfL say the line will support?
TfL states that the Hendon‑to‑Hounslow section of the West London Orbital will support the construction of 25,000 new homes. This figure is part of the agency’s justification for the project’s contribution to housing targets.
+Which stops are included between Hendon and Hounslow?
The core route will include stops at Brent Cross, Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common Lane and Lionel Road. Old Oak Common Lane will link with the Elizabeth line and HS2, while Lionel Road will serve the Brentford Community Stadium.
+What are the next steps for the project?
The consultation on the Hendon‑Hounslow corridor continues until 30 November 2024. Residents can submit feedback to TfL. After the consultation closes, TfL will issue a revised draft route and timetable for further review.
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