Acton could get up to six London Overground trains an hour connecting the area with Old Oak Common, Brentford, Hounslow and north-west London under major new rail plans now open for public consultation.
The proposed West London Orbital would run through Acton Central and South Acton, creating a new north-south rail link through the borough and providing connections towards North Acton and the new Old Oak Common transport hub.
Under the plans, trains heading north from Acton Central would call at a proposed new station at Old Oak Common Lane before continuing through Harlesden and Neasden to Brent Cross West and Hendon.
The TfL proposals show Old Oak Common Lane connected by short walking interchanges to both North Acton, on the Central line, and the new Old Oak Common station, which will be served by the Elizabeth line and HS2.
Heading south from South Acton, trains would continue towards a proposed new station at Lionel Road and then Brentford, Syon Lane, Isleworth and Hounslow.
Transport for London (TfL) opened an eight-week consultation on the proposed 18.5km route today (23 September 2026), with residents and businesses being asked for their views until 18 November 2026.
The scheme would largely make use of railway lines currently used only by freight trains, alongside sections of the existing passenger rail network.
Bassam Mahfouz, London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, said: “The West London Orbital could be a gamechanger for Ealing. It could make our everyday journeys into work, school or to see family and friends much more straightforward.
“But better transport links must not come at the expense of existing connections. This could have a significant impact on pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, who may face long detours with no convenient alternative routes. The West London Orbital should enhance connectivity and accessibility, not reduce it.
“TfL must properly address these concerns.
“I encourage everyone in Ealing to raise this issue in TfL’s new consultation. Let’s make sure these plans work for us.”
TfL says the proposed route could support around 25,000 new homes and 11,500 jobs across west and north-west London and generate up to £1.3 billion in wider economic benefits. It also estimates the scheme could remove around 650,000 car journeys a year.
Ealing Council is one of four London boroughs working with TfL on the proposals, alongside Hounslow, Brent and Barnet. The West London Alliance, Network Rail and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation are also involved.
Earlier this year, TfL and its partners agreed funding of up to £6.65 million for the next stage of design, modelling, consultation and assessment work.
David Rowe, TfL’s Director of Investment Planning, said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for people to shape the future of this new London Overground route. By making better use of existing rail infrastructure, we can improve connections between communities and support growth across west and northwest London.
“We want to ensure that everyone understands the proposals and has the opportunity to share their views. All feedback will be carefully considered as we continue to develop the scheme with our partners.”
A decision is expected in 2027 on whether to seek the powers needed to build the route. The scheme would still be subject to funding and approvals before it could go ahead.
