Plans for a new London Overground railway in west London have moved forward, with the first public consultation now open.

(c) TfL

Transport for London (TfL) is running an eight-week consultation inviting feedback for the first time on proposals to create an 18.5km passenger route on rail lines currently used for rail freight across west and northwest London.

If built, the West London Orbital (WLO) could run up to six trains an hour and provide ten new interchanges with rail and Underground services, alongside four new stations. Plans currently include four new stations at Old Oak Common Lane, Neasden, Harlesden and Lionel Road, while some existing stations along the route would be upgraded to accommodate the new service.

Subject to funding and approvals, the new route could support the delivery of around 25,000 homes, 11,500 jobs and up to £1.3bn in wider economic benefits, while encouraging more sustainable travel.

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 northwest London.

“We want to ensure that everyone understands the proposals and has the opportunity to share their views. All feedback will be carefully considered as we continue to develop the scheme with our partners.”

(c) TfL

Earlier this year, TfL and its partners agreed a funding package of up to £6.65m to support the next phase of design, modelling and public consultation work. This funding will also support further design and assessment ahead of a 2027 decision on whether to seek powers to build the scheme.

West Hampstead Thameslink

One change from the previous plans has been the option to divert the line to West Hampstead Thameslink. In its review, TfL says it would cost around £100 million more than a link to Hendon and would carry fewer passengers. However, it is keeping it available for a possible future upgrade if demand is there.

New stations

Neasden – The new WLO station at Neasden would be on Neasden Lane, about 200 metres south of the existing Neasden Underground station on the Jubilee line.

Harlesden – The new station would be on Acton Lane, directly opposite the current Harlesden Underground station to allow easy street‑level interchange with the Bakerloo and Lioness lines.

Old Oak Common – A new station would be built between Victoria Road and Old Oak Common Lane with a new east-west pedestrian bridge. There would be three platforms for WLO services, including one platform to allow trains to turn back from the north.

Lionel Road – The entrance to the station would be from Lionel Road South and from a station square planned to be delivered as part of the adjacent Brentford Works development. There would be two platforms, located between this development and the stadium.

The railway

Only part of the route is currently electrified – between Acton Wells junction and South Acton – and between Old Kew junction and Hounslow. TfL is considering three options for powering trains on the rest of the route:

Full overhead electrification
Partial electrification with hybrid battery‑electric trains
Battery trains charged at end-of-line stations

The decision depends on feasibility, benefits and costs for installing, maintaining and operating each option and how it would fit with the rest of the Overground network. However, unless battery charging at both ends proves feasible, they expect to install overhead electrification between Old Oak Common and Hendon.

The trains

TfL expects to need eleven new trains – either the same fleet as the existing Overground, or battery/hybrids depending on what track upgrades are agreed.  They will also need additional storage space, and TfL currently prefers the Willesden South West Sidings in the Old Oak Common area.

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If approved, the new route would eventually join the London Overground network and be named to reflect the communities and heritage along the line.

The consultation is here.