Route infrastructure
New infrastructure on the WLO route
To deliver this new rail link safely and reliably, we would need to upgrade parts of the railway and build new infrastructure. We are also considering how the trains on the WLO might be powered, and what infrastructure might be needed to support this. These works may cause temporary impacts during construction, and we’re also carefully assessing how the project could affect the environment.
Upgrades to the existing railway are essential to allow safe, reliable passenger services and the planned frequency of trains on the WLO route.
Junction Upgrades
Acton Wells Junction (Old Oak Common area)
Acton Wells Junction is one of the biggest constraints on the route. To run WLO services alongside existing freight and passenger trains, we need to:
- Increase the number of tracks from two to four
- Build a new bridge over the Central line for the additional tracks
Old Kew Junction (near proposed Lionel Road station)
This junction would connect the WLO to the Hounslow Loop line. It is currently a single track and so trains can’t pass each other. We plan to add a second track so trains can pass each other in both directions.
Turnback facilities
Turnbacks are short sections of track off the main running lines that allow trains to leave passenger service, wait, and rejoin the route without blocking other trains.
We need to create two new turnbacks and plan to do so by installing short sections of new track at the following locations:
Hounslow station (west of the terminus)
This new section of track would allow WLO trains to turn around without getting in the way of South Western Railway or freight services.
West of Lionel Road new station
This new section of track would allow trains to be taken out of service during disruption on the Hounslow Loop.
Powering trains - Electrification
Only part of the route is currently electrified - between Acton Wells junction and South Acton - and between Old Kew junction and Hounslow. We are assessing 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.
Unless battery charging at both ends proves feasible, we expect to install overhead electrification between Old Oak Common and Hendon.
Construction of the WLO would be managed so we can upgrade junctions, build new tracks and turnbacks, and install electrification while keeping disruption as low as possible for other rail services. More detailed information about specific environmental and construction impacts will be available as the design develops. There will be more opportunities to comment through future public consultations and engagement as the project progresses.
