New London Overground Route Could Transform Travel Through Acton |
New London Overground Route Could Transform Travel Through Acton
Acton could gain up to six London Overground trains an hour under major new plans for a West London Orbital railway linking communities between Hounslow and Hendon.
Residents in Acton could be among the biggest beneficiaries of proposals for a major new London Overground route connecting west and north-west London.
Transport for London has opened its first public consultation on the West London Orbital, an 18.5km proposed passenger railway that would run between Hounslow and Hendon.
Crucially for Ealing borough residents, the proposed route would pass through both South Acton and Acton Central, creating new connections towards Old Oak Common, Brentford, Hounslow and north-west London.
At a Glance
What Would the West London Orbital Mean for Acton?For Acton residents, one of the most significant features of the proposal is the possibility of travelling across west and north-west London without having to head into central London first.
The proposed route would serve both South Acton and Acton Central.
Travelling north from Acton Central, trains would serve a proposed new station at Old Oak Common Lane, before continuing through Harlesden and Neasden towards Brent Cross West and Hendon.
To the south, trains would travel from South Acton towards a proposed new station at Lionel Road before continuing through Brentford, Syon Lane and Isleworth to Hounslow.
For people living or working in Acton, that could create a useful new north-south public transport corridor.
Connecting Acton to Old Oak CommonThe Old Oak Common connection is particularly important.
TfL proposes a new Old Oak Common Lane station, with walking connections towards North Acton Underground station and the huge new Old Oak Common transport hub.
Old Oak Common is planned to provide connections with the Elizabeth line, National Rail and HS2.
That means the West London Orbital could eventually give Acton residents another way of accessing one of London's most important new transport interchanges.
Up to Six Trains an HourTfL's proposal is for a relatively frequent service, with up to six trains an hour connecting communities along the route.
Rather than constructing an entirely new railway across west London, much of the West London Orbital would use existing railway infrastructure.
That includes the Dudding Hill line, which is currently used by freight trains rather than regular passenger services.
Existing sections of the passenger railway network would also be incorporated into the route.
Changes Could Be Needed at Acton StationsThe project would not simply involve putting new passenger trains onto existing tracks.
TfL says several existing stations could require new platforms, entrances, accessibility improvements or changes to their layouts.
Both Acton Central and South Acton are among the existing stations identified for potential changes.
There could also be significant changes around local level crossings.
At Churchfield Road near Acton Central, TfL is considering how pedestrian and cycle access could be maintained if the existing level crossing has to close. Options being considered include a new pedestrian and cycle bridge or use of the existing station subway.
The proposals could also affect the Bollo Lane level crossing near South Acton.
These local impacts are one reason TfL is asking residents to comment while the project remains at an early stage.
Four New StationsThe West London Orbital proposal includes four completely new stations:
Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common Lane and Lionel Road.
Eight existing stations would also be served: Hendon, Brent Cross West, Acton Central, South Acton, Brentford, Syon Lane, Isleworth and Hounslow.
The result would be an orbital route designed to make it easier to travel between outer London communities without first travelling towards central London.
Supporting Thousands of Homes and JobsTfL says the railway could have benefits well beyond shorter journeys.
Subject to the scheme proceeding, TfL estimates it could help support approximately 25,000 new homes and 11,500 jobs across west and north-west London.
It estimates wider economic benefits of as much as £1.3 billion.
TfL also estimates that providing an alternative to travelling by car could remove around 650,000 car journeys a year from London's roads.
These are projections associated with the proposed scheme rather than guaranteed outcomes.
When Could the New Overground Line Open?Acton residents should not expect new trains in the immediate future.
The West London Orbital remains at an early planning and consultation stage.
TfL says it is continuing design work, railway timetable testing and assessments of passenger benefits, road impacts and environmental effects.
Funding will also need to be secured.
If the project progresses, TfL expects to decide at the end of 2027 whether to prepare an application for the legal powers required to construct and operate the railway.
Subject to funding, approvals and the necessary consents, construction could begin in the early 2030s, with passenger services potentially starting around 2035.
Acton Residents Can Have Their SayThe consultation gives local residents an opportunity to comment before the plans move to the next stage.
TfL says responses will help it understand how people might benefit from or be affected by the railway and identify concerns that need to be addressed.
For Acton residents, that could include views about station improvements, accessibility, local roads and level crossings as well as the proposed new rail connections.
The consultation remains open until Wednesday 18 November 2026.
A Potentially Major Change for ActonIf eventually delivered, the West London Orbital could represent a significant change in how people travel from Acton.
Instead of London's railway network predominantly helping passengers travel towards and away from central London, the orbital concept is intended to make journeys across outer London easier.
Acton Central and South Acton would sit directly on that new corridor.
For now, however, this remains a proposal.
The next important step is the consultation — giving Acton residents the opportunity to examine what the railway could bring to the area, as well as the changes that may be needed to make it possible.
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