TfL consults on new Hendon to Hounslow rail service
Plans for the West London Orbital service, which would use freight lines, are open for public comment until 18 November.
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Transport for London (TfL) has initiated an eight-week public consultation regarding the West London Orbital service, a proposed new London Overground route. The service would connect Hendon in north London with Hounslow in west London, with services potentially beginning in the mid-2030s, subject to securing necessary funding and approvals.
Route and Infrastructure
TfL plans new West London Orbital Overground line to Hendon
Transport for London has revealed plans for a new Overground service that could link Hounslow and Hendon.
The proposed 18.5km route would largely utilise existing freight lines, including the Dudding Hill line which passes through areas of Barnet and Brent. This line has not seen regular passenger service for over a century. TfL plans to introduce four new stations at Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common Lane, and Lionel Road. Additionally, new platforms are planned for Hendon and Brent Cross West stations.
TfL's preferred option, as outlined in a summary business case, includes four trains per hour running between Hounslow and Hendon. This frequency would increase to six trains per hour between Old Oak Common Lane and Hendon. The full journey from Hounslow to Hendon is estimated to take 37 minutes. While an earlier proposal included a branch to West Hampstead Thameslink, TfL has prioritised a more frequent Hounslow to Hendon service, though future extensions have not been ruled out.
Projected Impact and Costs
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The West London Orbital service is projected to support approximately 11,500 jobs and facilitate the development of over 25,000 new homes. TfL estimates it could remove around 650,000 car journeys from the road network annually and potentially reduce public transport journey times by over half an hour for some travellers.
The estimated cost for constructing the line falls between £810m and £920m, based on late 2023 prices. When inflation is factored in, this figure rises to between £1bn and £1.2bn. Funding for the project is expected to come from TfL, the government, and local partners.
In March, TfL and its partners committed £6.65m towards initial design, modelling, and consultation work. TfL is contributing half of this amount, with the remainder shared among the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation and the local councils of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, and Hounslow. Currently, only the development stages of the scheme are funded.
Next Steps
The current consultation period closes on 18 November. David Rowe, TfL's director of investment planning, stated that this consultation is a significant opportunity for the public to influence the future of the route. TfL has indicated that further consultations will be held if the scheme progresses towards construction, which could commence in the early 2030s if funding is secured.
Questions this report answers
+What is the West London Orbital service?
The West London Orbital is a proposed new London Overground service that would run passenger trains between Hendon and Hounslow. It aims to use existing freight lines to improve connections across west and north-west London and is currently undergoing public consultation.
+When could the West London Orbital service start operating?
Transport for London has indicated that services could begin in the mid-2030s. This timeline is dependent on securing the necessary funding from government and other sources, as well as obtaining all required approvals for the project.
+How much will the West London Orbital service cost to build?
The estimated construction cost for the West London Orbital service is between £810m and £920m at late 2023 prices. This figure could rise to between £1bn and £1.2bn once inflation is taken into account, with funding expected from multiple sources.
+What is the deadline for the public consultation?
The public consultation on the West London Orbital service closes on 18 November. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to submit their views on the proposed plans before this date.
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