Engineering firm WSP has been appointed by Transport for London (TfL) to support the next stage of development for a proposed 18.5km London Overground route connecting Hounslow in the south with Hendon in the north.
The proposed West London Orbital route would provide new orbital connections across west and north west London, potentially linking communities and destinations including Brent Cross, Brentford, Acton and Old Oak Common.
WSP will work with TfL, alongside Fereday Pollard and Costain, to provide multidisciplinary technical and programme support as the transport authority continues to assess how the scheme could be developed and delivered.
The next stage of work will include stakeholder engagement, timetable and demand forecasting, and the development of a business case and funding strategy. This will support TfL in assessing the proposal and identifying a preferred option.
WSP UK & Ireland managing director for rail Dan Bishop said: “This appointment reflects our deep understanding of the scheme and our longstanding involvement in its development. We’re proud to help turn a long-held ambition into reality and support infrastructure that could benefit communities across west London for decades to come.”
Fereday Pollard & Partners managing director Chris Pollard said: “This timely and well-conceived project will be transformational for the communities of west and north west London.”
Costain rail sector director Alistair Geddes said: “We are a trusted, long-term partner to Transport for London and we’re looking forward to working with WSP to help shape this hugely exciting project that will be transformative for London’s transport network, creating jobs and driving prosperity across the region.”
The appointment builds on WSP’s work since 2019 with the West London Alliance, BusinessLDN and Capital West London, exploring how improved orbital connectivity could support housing, jobs and sustainable growth across the area.
TfL is currently undertaking its first public consultation on the proposal, which runs until 18 November 2026. The consultation is the first opportunity for the public to review detailed proposals and influence the development of the project.
If delivered, the route would run on existing rail infrastructure, much of it currently used only for freight, with up to six trains per hour linking Hendon, Brent Cross West, Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common, Acton, Brentford and Hounslow. Four new stations are proposed, at Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common Lane and Lionel Road.
TfL modelling suggests the route could support around 25,000 new homes and 11,500 jobs, deliver up to £1.3 billion in wider economic benefits, and remove around 650,000 car journeys a year. A funding package of up to £6.65 million agreed earlier this year will support design, modelling and consultation ahead of a decision in 2027 on whether to seek the powers needed to build the scheme. Construction could cost up to £900 million, according to figures disclosed by TfL, with passenger services targeted for the mid-2030s if funding and approvals are secured.
Rail investment continues across the capital: lift foundations are now done at Wandsworth Town station as its step-free project moves forward, while Europe trains from Stratford International could run as early as 2030.
