West London Orbital moves forward

Plans to introduce new passenger services over existing freight lines in West London are gathering momentum, as Transport for London advances proposals for the West London Orbital (WLO) – a scheme designed to deliver new orbital connectivity using largely existing rail infrastructure.

The project would see London Overground-style services introduced on corridors that today are used primarily, or exclusively, by freight, raising important questions about how mixed-traffic railways can be optimised to deliver both passenger growth and wider transport objectives.

Making new passenger links

The West London Orbital is a proposed new passenger route running between Hendon and Hounslow, via West Hampstead, Harlesden and Old Oak Common, with interchange opportunities to HS2, the Elizabeth Line and Thameslink. Rather than constructing an entirely new railway, the scheme would repurpose and upgrade existing lines, including the Dudding Hill Line, which is currently freight-only, alongside sections already carrying passenger traffic.

TfL aims to create faster, more direct suburban journeys across west and north-west London, reducing reliance on radial routes through central London. Support for the scheme has strengthened in recent months. The Mayor of London has committed £400,000 (€464,000) to the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) to progress the next phase of development, while Brent Council approved up to £615,000 (€720,000).

Jobs potential

TfL’s Draft Business Plan (2026–2030) identifies the West London Orbital as part of its future network investment priorities, reinforcing the scheme’s strategic position within London’s longer-term transport planning. London Assembly and mayoral responses have confirmed that feasibility design work has progressed, with further development and consultation phases expected.

Proponents argue that the scheme could support thousands of new jobs in the west of London. Councillor Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said the WLO would be “mission-critical” for west London, citing improved access to HS2 at Old Oak Common and the wider regeneration potential seen following the opening of the Elizabeth Line.

Metro on mixed-use lines

The October 2021 document, West London Orbital – Strategic Narrative, sets out TfL’s intention to run a frequent, metro-style operation, while continuing to accommodate freight traffic. On the Dudding Hill Line, this would create a mixed-traffic railway for the first time.

Stations would largely be delivered by adapting existing freight alignments. At locations such as Hendon, Brent Cross West and Cricklewood, new passenger platforms would be built on the western side of existing stations, making use of current freight tracks and minimising the need for new land take.

Freight considerations remain unresolved

The proposals highlight the complex balance between passenger growth and freight capacity in a constrained urban network. The Strategic Narrative suggests that freight could be prioritised in off-peak periods once passenger services are introduced. For planners, this raises questions about timetable resilience, pathing flexibility and the long-term role of west London as a key through-route for freight services moving across the capital.

Much of the freight using the Dudding Hill Line and associated routes does not originate or terminate in London, but relies on these corridors as strategic cross-London links. Ensuring that this traffic can continue to operate reliably alongside a frequent passenger service will be a critical design and operational challenge.