Old Oak Common station completes HS2 platforms as surface work lags
Six underground platforms finished, but two surface platforms delayed by mainline railway constraints until after 2029
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The construction of Old Oak Common station has reached a milestone with the completion of its six underground HS2 platforms. The £multi-billion project, located adjacent to the Great Western Main Line near Paddington, is set to become one of the UK’s largest railway stations when fully operational.
Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA, the joint venture leading the construction, confirmed the structural work on the HS2 platforms is finished. Attention has now shifted to the fit-out phase, which will transform the concrete structure into a functioning station. The project includes 52 lifts and 44 escalators to handle passenger flows.
Old Oak Common HS2 platforms finished but conventional rail delayed to 2029
Residents near the West London station face eight more years of construction disruption before full services begin
Surface station constrained by mainline railway
While the underground HS2 platforms are complete, the surface station faces delays. Only six of the planned eight platforms for GWR and Elizabeth line services have been built. The remaining two platforms cannot be constructed until the mainline railway is diverted through the station, a process expected to require a lengthy closure after 2029.
The constraints are physical. The space for the two additional platforms is currently occupied by the existing mainline railway. Network Rail will need to close the line for an extended period, likely over a Christmas holiday, to allow the diversion and construction to proceed. Until then, the surface station will operate with six platforms.
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First HS2 passenger tracks laid
The first passenger-carrying railway tracks laid by HS2 have been installed at Old Oak Common, though not for HS2 trains. The tracks will serve GWR and Elizabeth line services. This development follows the completion of two railway bridges over London Underground and Old Oak Common Lane, which are being widened from four to eight tracks.
One of the bridges required the road beneath it to be lowered. Old Oak Common Lane will close for several years to allow utilities and sewers to be relocated. The closure will facilitate the widening of the bridge to accommodate the additional tracks.
Calls for early opening
Local MP Dr Rupa Huq has urged the early opening of the surface platforms to benefit residents before HS2 services commence. Whether this is feasible remains under discussion. If approved, the surface station could welcome its first passengers in approximately five years, ahead of the full HS2 integration.
The station is designed to act as a major transport interchange, supporting the growing residential and commercial development in the area. It is expected to serve as a hub comparable to Stratford, facilitating connections between HS2, Elizabeth line, and GWR services.
Climate challenges for construction
The project has also highlighted the impact of climate change on construction. Rising temperatures have complicated concrete pouring and worker safety. During a recent heatwave, conditions inside the underground station box remained tolerable, but surface workers faced extreme heat, described as stepping into an oven.
Traditionally, construction delays were caused by rain or cold. Now, heatwaves pose new risks, requiring additional measures to protect workers and maintain progress. This issue is expected to become more significant as temperatures continue to rise.
Questions this report answers
+How many platforms will Old Oak Common station have?
Old Oak Common will have 14 platforms: six underground for HS2 and eight surface platforms for GWR and Elizabeth line services. The underground platforms are complete, while two surface platforms await mainline railway diversion after 2029.
+Why are two surface platforms at Old Oak Common delayed?
The two remaining surface platforms cannot be built until the mainline railway is diverted through the station. This requires a lengthy closure, likely over a Christmas period after 2029, to allow construction to proceed.
+When could the surface station at Old Oak Common open?
Local MP Dr Rupa Huq has called for the surface platforms to open early, potentially in about five years. This would allow residents to benefit before HS2 services begin, but the feasibility is still under discussion.
+What challenges has the Old Oak Common project faced?
The project has faced space constraints and climate-related challenges, including extreme heat affecting construction. Rising temperatures have complicated concrete pouring and worker safety, requiring additional protective measures.
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