The Mayor of London has ruled out extending the proposed West London Orbital London Overground line beyond Hounslow, citing the potential knock-on effect on existing rail services. The decision comes despite pressure from Richmond Council and politicians across South West London, who have described the extension as a potential "game changer" for residents in an isolated part of the capital.
Mayor cites capacity constraints on Windsor and Reading lines
Speaking at the London Assembly on Thursday, October 15, Gareth Roberts AM said the extension would provide a vital link with Old Oak Common and make the Elizabeth line more accessible. He noted that Twickenham residents travelling to Paddington or the West End must currently travel to Waterloo or Vauxhall before changing onto the London Underground.
However, Lord Sadiq Khan said Transport for London will not look to change its Hendon to Hounslow route set out in the ongoing consultation. "TfL have considered an extension to Twickenham or Feltham but there are constraint issues on capacity on the railway west of Hounslow," he added. "My understanding is the South Western Railway lines are heavily used between Windsor and Reading and if the service was extended it would require a reduction to those services."
Local politicians call for extra stops at Whitton and Twickenham
Mr Roberts' comments followed his remarks at Richmond Council last Tuesday (October 6), where he said that although the borough welcomed the new line, extra stops at Whitton and Twickenham would make the area a "really important public transport interchange". He added: "If they don't take the opportunity to look at this particular proposal now, then it will never happen. 20 years with no new infrastructure [since the London Overground opened at Richmond in 2007] is a disgrace, to be frank."
TfL said last month the West London Orbital would provide the "key missing link" in London's rail network and support the construction of 25,000 homes. Between Hendon and Hounslow, key stops include Brent Cross, Neasden and Harlesden.
New stations to improve access to Old Oak Common and Brentford stadium
The station at Old Oak Common Lane will provide an interchange with nearby Old Oak Common, which will serve the Elizabeth line and HS2, while the proposed stop at Lionel Road will give supporters easier access to Brentford Community Stadium on matchdays. The West London Orbital is due to open to passengers in 2035.
