Opinions on 2 new stations around Old Oak (see front page)
I am generally in favour of two additional stations around Old Oak, but not as in the current proposals which in my opinion would be too close to Willesden Junction High Level. Two new stations would provide easier access to Crossrail. However it is proposed to site a station below ground level close to the Crossrail station for HS2, and there is an agreed requirement for a link between HS1 and HS2. This would make access from as many "local" routes as possible to the Crossrail / HS2 / HS1 stations absolutely vital. I was told that the first proposal for the HS1 - HS2 link was just a quick relatively inexpensive suggestion, and it was only rejected as "not fit for purpose". There is no current agreed route, and there is no current provision for a junction with the planned HS2 route, although required to provide direct access between northern England and the Channel Tunnel. Creating an underground junction later would require HS2 services to be halted unless a stub tunnel is provided.I would prefer to see existing routes used where possible, but designed and built to cater for future requirements. There should only be through services at or around Old Oak, none should normally terminate in the area, and there should not be any need for a termination platform close to the already crowded Old Oak area, although additional platforms could allow more time for passenger transfer when congested.In my opinion, a station to the east of Old Oak should be slightly south of the junction between the branches towards Wembley Central and Willesden Junction High Level where it could be served by both London Overground Clapham Junction branch and through services currently supplied by Southern which could provide multiple direct links from very large areas south of London and north west of London (at present Croydon and Milton Keynes). This may be more difficult to design and build than the current Hythe Road suggestion, but far more important. It could also be more accessible from the large residential area near North Pole Road.There are already proposals for using existing links to the West Coast Main Line close to Harlesden station, two branches with services currently provided by Chiltern trains close to Neasden station, Thameslink and East Midlands trains through Cricklewood, together with a new high level station close to the existing Harlesden station.There are proposals for a branch from the Richmond line near South Acton towards Brentford and Hounslow.The Acton Main Line branch could provide an alternative route connecting from the Crossrail / Great Western services towards the north of London.There would be many more possibilities for through routes via a station to the west of Old Oak on the London Overground route between Richmond and Willesden Junction High Level using existing tracks if it is sited further south, between the Dudden Hill and Acton Main Line junctions in the area known as Acton Wells. Pedestrian access could be provided from the very busy North Acton area. This may be more difficult to design and build, but in an industrial area, and in my opinion worth the effort. The ground level would be close to track level unless the platforms need to extend towards the Central line where there is a high level bridge, but there should be adequate space for supports on either side of the existing rail bridge.Access from both of these eastern and western stations could be provided almost parallel to the Great Western / Crossrail tracks, and the expected numbers of transfer passengers might justify installing three parallel Travelator style moving pavements (one each way plus one reversible in the middle) which would help to provide disabled access.Other proposals include using existing track space between Old Oak and the existing Chiltern line through West Ruislip and on towards Beaconsfield and High Wycombe, with additional platforms at North Acton plus a new station at Park Royal to link with the Piccadilly Line (reserved space already available). This could be operated as a branch of Crossrail rather than needing additional platform space at Old Oak.It would still be necessary to provide pedestrian access between Willesden Junction station and the Hythe Road area. Infrastructure must be fit for purpose as there is a need to reduce reliance on road traffic. The rail network suffered when multiple local feeder routes were cut, forcing the use of road traffic to reach the main through routes, and so often making it quicker and easier to just travel direct by car.
Christopher Bell ● 2923d2 Comments