The prospect of a new Overground route is stirring excitement in London’s transport circles. Dubbed the West London Orbital, this proposed passenger line would connect West Hampstead and Hendon in the north to Hounslow in the south-west. Along the way, it would pass through key transport hubs, including the future HS2 and Elizabeth line interchange at Old Oak Common, ultimately forming the seventh branch of the Overground network.
What Is the west london orbital?
The West London Orbital is a planned passenger route that aims to bridge several under-served areas. Despite the name, the line isn’t a perfect “orbital” loop but rather a diagonal link connecting outer suburbs without the need to pass through central London. It’s designed to ease journeys for commuters and provide better connectivity for London’s growing population.
A “new” line?
Not entirely. The route will repurpose existing infrastructure, primarily under-used freight tracks. Starting on the Thameslink and Midland Mainline near Cricklewood and Brent Cross West, it would transition to the Dudding Hill line—a freight route that hasn’t hosted regular passenger services in over a century. The line would then continue via the Mildmay line around Acton and join the Hounslow Loop for its final leg.
New stations along the route
Four new stations are planned to support the West London Orbital’s journey:
- Neasden
- Harlesden
- Old oak common
- Lionel road, near Brentford’s football ground
These stations would provide much-needed connectivity for under-served areas and enhance access to major transport interchanges like Old Oak Common, a future hub for HS2, the Elizabeth line, and other Overground services.
What’s needed to make It work?
While the track exists, significant upgrades are necessary to make the line operational. The Dudding Hill section, for instance, requires electrification, modern signalling, and the construction of stations. The entire route needs adjustments to accommodate passenger services, with estimated costs ranging between £430 million and £610 million as of 2021. Given inflation and complexities, the final price tag could well exceed £1 billion.
Why build it?
The West London Orbital has several compelling advantages:
- High Connectivity: It links major transport lines, including the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Elizabeth lines, as well as HS2 and Thameslink.
- Regeneration Potential: The project is expected to stimulate housebuilding and economic activity along its route, making it attractive to developers and investors.
- Cost Efficiency: Studies indicate a high benefit-to-cost ratio, with the potential to deliver £2.20 in value for every £1 spent.
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Support and challenges
The project has backing from Mayor Sadiq Khan and local authorities, with Khan recently confirming progress on the feasibility of the line. However, he has also stressed that funding remains a significant hurdle. Transport for London (TfL) is financially constrained, so external funding from central government and private sector partnerships will be crucial.
Speaking on the subject, Khan noted that the West London Orbital could unlock homes, jobs, and growth, which are all vital to London’s future. “We are lobbying the Government to include this in their spending review,” he said, alongside other projects like the Bakerloo extension.
When could It open?
If funding is secured promptly, the West London Orbital could be operational by the early-to-mid 2030s.
In the meantime…
While waiting for the project to materialise, Londoners can speculate on what TfL might name the new line. A logical choice would be the “Brent Line,” given its path from Brent Cross to Brentford.
For now, the West London Orbital remains a promising idea, poised to reshape connectivity in the capital’s outer boroughs and provide much-needed relief to London’s overburdened transport network.
