West London Orbital Overground Project Advances

Plans for a new Overground line, extending from Hounslow in west London to Hendon in the north, have progressed. This advancement comes after London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed the existence of “feasible solutions” for every aspect of the project. The next stage of the West London Orbital scheme is set to include the execution of design work, pending financial constraints. In 2021, Transport for London (TfL) estimated the overall cost of the project to be in the range of £430m to £610m. If brought to completion, TfL hopes the line will be operational and carrying passengers by the early 2030s. Mr Khan delivered an update on the scheme in response to a written question submitted by Gareth Roberts, a Liberal Democrat serving on the London Assembly. Mr Khan stated: “The current stage of development is now nearing completion.” To implement the scheme, funding would be required from local sources and the national Government, in addition to TfL and the Greater London Authority. He also mentioned that the West London Orbital is among his priorities for the expansion of London’s transport network. The proposed route is planned to begin in Hounslow, then follow the existing South Western Railway course, passing through Isleworth, Syon Lane, and Brentford. The service would conclude in Harlesden and Neasden, with a potential split into two directions – one branch proceeding to Hendon via Brent Cross, and the other to West Hampstead via Cricklewood.