Northolt Tube Station Gains Step-Free Access
New lift and walkway improve accessibility for West London residents after lengthy construction.
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Northolt tube station in Ealing has officially gained step-free access, enabling easier travel for passengers with mobility needs. The improvements include a newly installed lift and a connecting walkway, allowing direct travel from the street to the platform.
Construction Challenges and Completion
GWR trains diverted to Euston during Dolphin Junction repairs
Passengers face route changes and service disruptions on specific November and December 2026 weekends.
The development project at Northolt station experienced a prolonged construction period. Work initially began shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, was subsequently paused, and then recommenced in February 2025 following a review of costs. The new lift became operational last week, though it experienced a brief period of downtime over the weekend before being repaired and returned to service. Manual boarding ramps are also available to ensure step-free journeys. Two accessible toilets are set to open soon as part of the station's upgrades.
The station's design presented unique challenges for the installation of step-free access. Unlike many stations where lifts can be fitted at the end of a platform, Northolt's platform was too narrow. This necessitated the construction of a separate corridor structure extending from the station's vicinity to a new lift shaft positioned along the platform.
The completion of step-free access at Northolt station is fantastic news for our residents and a major step forward for accessibility in the borough.
Councillor Dominic Moffitt, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for climate action
Ruislip Lido Railway to offer behind-the-scenes tours
Visitors can see locomotives and track maintenance vehicles on display during the September 2026 event.
Broader Accessibility Improvements
Transport for London (TfL) has stated that more than a third of all Tube stations across the network now provide step-free access. This expansion aligns with the Mayor's Transport Strategy, which aims to reduce journey time disparities for passengers requiring step-free routes. Since 2016, TfL has reported a 43 per cent decrease in the average additional journey time for these passengers.
Further step-free access projects are in progress or planned. Leyton station is scheduled for completion in summer 2027, and work has commenced at Burnt Oak station. Additionally, feasibility or design studies are underway for 45 other Tube stations, including Alperton and Eastcote, which are advancing towards the final design stages.
Questions this report answers
+What improvements have been made at Northolt tube station?
Northolt tube station now has step-free access thanks to a new lift and walkway. This allows passengers to travel from the street directly to the platform. The station will also soon feature two accessible toilets.
+When did the work at Northolt station begin and restart?
Construction for the new lift and walkway at Northolt station started before the COVID-19 pandemic. After being put on hold, the project resumed in February 2025.
+How many Tube stations in London are step-free?
Transport for London reports that over one-third of all Tube stations across London now offer step-free access. This number is increasing as further stations undergo upgrades and design work.
+What other Tube stations are planned for step-free access?
Leyton station is scheduled to become step-free in summer 2027, and work has started at Burnt Oak station. Feasibility or design work is also underway at 45 other stations, including Alperton and Eastcote.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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