HS2 has taken a major step forward with the installation of its first passenger platform at Old Oak Common – set to become the UK’s biggest new rail station.
Engineers have begun laying pre-cast concrete slabs inside the giant underground station box, marking the first visible platform on Britain’s new high-speed line. When finished, six platforms will serve HS2’s 400-metre-long trains, linking London with Birmingham.
These platforms are being built in advance of another eight surface-level platforms for Great Western Mainline, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services.
The platforms are being constructed as three ‘island’ blocks, with installation underway from both ends of the 850m-long structure. A total of 1,960 slabs – made in Nottinghamshire – are being slotted onto 1.59m-high invert walls, leaving room underneath for essential services like electrics.
Huw Edwards, delivery director for stations and placemaking at HS2 Ltd, said: “The installation of the first passenger platforms represents a real step forward in taking HS2 from purely a construction project to the future of Britain’s railways.
“Whilst there is still much more to work to do, standing where passengers will alight HS2 services is a reminder of what this railway will achieve – creating connections between people and places, that will benefit generations to come.”
