Transport for London (TfL) has disclosed that the proposed West London Orbital train line could cost up to £900 million, according to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request. The new service would operate on a new section of the London Overground, using an 18.5km (11.5-mile) route currently used only by freight trains, which has not seen regular passenger service for over 100 years.
Route and stations
The line would connect 15 stations: Hendon, Brent Cross West, Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common Lane, North Acton, Old Oak Common, Acton Central, South Acton, Lionel Road, Kew Bridge, Brentford, Syon Lane, Isleworth, and Hounslow. TfL proposes running four to six trains per hour on the route.
Construction is not expected to begin until the early 2030s, with passenger journeys starting around the mid-2030s. The timeline means the line will not be operational for at least a decade.
Economic impact and consultation
If approved by ministers, the scheme could create thousands of jobs and homes, and is projected to deliver approximately £300 million in economic growth during the first 10 years of operation, according to estimates from City Hall.
TfL has opened a public consultation, which closes on November 18 this year. David Rowe, TfL's director of investment planning, said: "This consultation is an important opportunity for people to shape the future of this new London Overground route. By making better use of existing rail infrastructure, we can improve connections between communities and support growth across west and north-west London."
Seb Dance, deputy mayor for transport, said the scheme would use "a line currently only used for freight to transform travel in north and north-west London". The consultation results will inform final plans, which still require government approval before construction can proceed.
