First HS2 Platforms Installed at London’s Old Oak Common

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Old Oak Common station is quickly becoming a key junction in Britain’s High Speed 2 rail network. Located in West London, the station is set to function as a major interchange, linking high-speed rail with regional, national, and international transport. When operational, it is expected to accommodate around 250,000 passengers daily.

The station includes six underground platforms dedicated to HS2 and eight above-ground platforms serving the Great Western Main Line, the Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express. Its design prioritises connectivity, positioning Old Oak Common as one of the busiest and most accessible stations in the country.

More than a transport link, the station is part of a broader regeneration plan. It is expected to drive the transformation of West London’s urban landscape by supporting the creation of new homes, jobs, and commercial activity around the site.

First platforms installed mark a milestone in complex construction phase

Construction efforts have reached a major milestone with the installation of the station’s first high-speed rail platforms. The 850-metre-long underground station box now contains the first of nearly 2,000 precast concrete slabs that will form the platform base.

Built with over 76,000 cubic metres of concrete and 17,000 tonnes of reinforced steel, the foundation slab showcases the scale of engineering involved. These elements support the structure for HS2’s underground platforms and enable the next stages of rail installation.

Manufactured offsite in Nottinghamshire by Explore Manufacturing, the slabs are delivered to the station and positioned with precision. The method ensures high build quality and enhances site safety, contributing to a steady construction pace.

Collaboration and manufacturing precision drive station progress

The project is led by a joint venture of Balfour Beatty, VINCI, and SYSTRA, bringing together experience from major infrastructure builds across Europe. Their approach includes industrialised construction processes that minimise disruption and increase consistency.

The decision to use offsite manufacturing has streamlined operations. Concrete slabs are produced under controlled conditions, reducing delays and avoiding on-site weather constraints. Transporting the units to West London and installing them at speed requires careful logistical coordination.

The arrival of the first platforms marks a shift in perception. For workers on the ground and the public watching progress, the site is evolving from a complex excavation into a functioning transport hub. It is a visible sign that the project is on track.

Old Oak Common’s future links and transformation timeline

Work is underway to prepare a 4.5-mile tunnel connecting Old Oak Common to Euston in central London. This link is critical for enabling HS2 trains to arrive in the heart of the capital and expand the network’s impact.

Timelines for completion align with the broader HS2 schedule, aiming for full station readiness in the early 2030s. The station is expected to handle twelve trains per hour in both directions, significantly increasing capacity.

With links to multiple rail services, Old Oak Common will act as a vital interchange. It is designed to support easy transfers across long-distance, regional, and airport-bound routes, boosting the efficiency of travel across the South East and beyond.

Old Oak Common’s impact extends far beyond rail travel. It is at the centre of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation’s masterplan, which aims to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs. The regeneration is designed to be transit-oriented, using the station as a foundation for sustainable urban growth.

For the national transport network, the station provides resilience, increased capacity, and flexibility. It aligns with national goals to improve rail accessibility, reduce emissions, and stimulate economic activity outside London’s core.

Sources

• Rail Magazine