A new Overground line in north London is “not definite” and will only be built if government funding is secured, Sadiq Khan has said.
The ‘West London Orbital’ would run from West Hampstead and Hendon towards Hounslow, making it the seventh Overground line on the Transport for London (TfL) network.
It is understood that feasibility studies for the line are pretty much complete, but that new funding is needed for the project to progress further.
Speaking as he officially launched the new Overground line names at Dalston Junction station today (November 28), Sadiq Khan said he will be lobbying government to secure funding for the route.
“It’s not definite, we need the funding from the Government,” the London Mayor explained.
“We are going to be lobbying the Government in advance of the spending review. The point we are making is that actually these new lines will enable more homes, more jobs and growth.”
On current timescales, an application to secure approval to build the new Overground line would not be made until the late 2020s.
Its final route is yet to be revealed, but initial proposals would see trains stop at 15 stations, including Cricklewood, Neasden, Harlesden, Acton, Brentford and Isleworth.
In some instances, existing platforms will be used but new stations would be needed at Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common and Lionel Road.
Trains would make use of existing tracks that are currently used for freight services.
The London Mayor said he will also be pushing for funding to extend the DLR to Thamesmead and the Bakerloo line to Lewisham.
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