West London Orbital Secures £6.65M Funding

TfL secures £6.65M for West London Orbital rail line connecting Hendon to Hounslow

West London Orbital Gets £6.65M Funding Boost

London's proposed West London Orbital line moved closer to reality after Transport for London and four councils secured £6.65 million to advance the project. The new London Overground route would convert freight-only railway lines to passenger service connecting Hendon to Hounslow through underserved areas of Brent, Barnet, Ealing, and Hounslow. Public consultation is set to open this summer, with a final decision expected by the end of 2027.

Filling Transit Gap in Northwest London

The West London Orbital addresses a longstanding gap in northwest London's transit network, where residents currently lack direct north-south rail connections. Transport officials said the route would provide crucial links between residential areas and major employment centers, including the HS2 interchange at Old Oak Common in Ealing. The project targets areas with limited public transport options, where car dependency remains high. Brent Council has committed £465,000 to maintain project momentum through the consultation and approval phases.

Route Details and Service Frequency

The proposed line would run from Hendon in the north to Hounslow in the south, with stops at Brent Cross, Harlesden, Neasden, Old Oak Common, Acton, and Brentford. Transport for London plans up to six trains per hour on the route once operational. The line would connect with HS2 at Old Oak Common, creating an interchange between regional and national rail services. Officials said the conversion of existing freight tracks would reduce infrastructure costs compared to building entirely new rail corridors.

Timeline Extends Into 2030s

If approved by the end of 2027, the West London Orbital is estimated to open in the early to mid-2030s, transport officials said. The timeline accounts for detailed design work, procurement, and construction following the approval decision. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he's proud to bring partners together to deliver this missing link in public transport for north and northwest London. Officials haven't specified exact construction milestones or phasing plans for the multiyear project.

Economic Impact and Development

Transport officials project the West London Orbital would support over 25,000 new homes and 11,500 new jobs, generating approximately £300 million in the first 10 years of operation. The improved transit access is expected to spur development in areas that have historically struggled with connectivity. Riders can track project updates and plan future journeys using Moovit, which provides real-time information for London's transit network including the Overground system.