The UK’s Transport for London (TfL) has commissioned WSP, together with Costain and Fereday Pollard & Partners (FP&P), to provide technical and programme guidance for the next phase of development for the proposed West London Orbital Overground route.
The partnership will examine key aspects of an 18.5km railway line that, if constructed, would link Hounslow in the south to Hendon in the north, serving communities including Acton, Brentford, Brent Cross and Old Oak Common.
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The proposed project, which TfL estimates could cost up to £900m ($1.2bn), is intended to improve orbital rail connectivity in west and north-west London.
The scheme aims to make use of existing, underused freight lines, converting them to passenger use as part of the London Overground network.
The development would include four new stations at Neasden, Old Oak Common Lane, Harlesden and Lionel Road, as well as new platforms at Hendon and Brent Cross West stations.
The next stage of work assigned to WSP and its partners involves engaging with stakeholders, developing timetable projections, forecasting passenger demand and helping TfL build a business case and funding strategy.
Costain will provide constructability advice, drawing on its experience with complex rail projects.
A public consultation on the proposed route is currently under way. TfL said feedback from this process will guide the project’s future direction and refinement.
Proponents of the scheme highlight several anticipated benefits, including better access to jobs and services, support for new housing developments, and enhanced transport connections to major destinations in west and north-west London.
According to TfL, the project could create around 11,500 new jobs and help deliver over 25,000 homes.
The authority also claims it could reduce traffic congestion by offering an alternative to 650,000 car journeys annually and cut travel times across certain parts of the network by over half an hour.
WSP UK and Ireland Rail managing director 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.”
The West London Orbital proposal aims to complement the wider London transport strategy by improving capacity, enhancing interchange options with lines such as the Elizabeth line and HS2, and advancing sustainable growth in the capital.
In September 2026, TfL selected Costain as the preferred contractor for a £120m ($159m) design-and-build upgrade of South Kensington Tube station.
