Following taking possession of the former depot at Old Oak Common, Network Rail has confirmed that preparation work is fully underway to allow demolition work soon.
On Tuesday 16th of February, the final Heathrow Express train, on the back of a low loader, left the site by road, allowing Network Rail to gear up to begin the site's clearing.
Attention is focused on removing electric overhead cables and other utilities entering the site, making the site safer and easier to work in.
Once disconnected, the teams will start disassembling the former Heathrow Express depot and related track connected to the building.
Once cleared, the site will see the construction of a ‘super-hub' station as part of the High Speed 2 (HS2) project, which will see HS2 and the Elizabeth Line, along with other lines, share a station.
The completion date is scheduled for 2030. The new ‘super-hub' will provide huge benefits, creating many jobs across many industries and improving railway links for a large portion of the UK.
Director of On Network Works for HS2 Ltd and Network Rail Patrick Cawley said: “Our teams are busy making sure that everything is ready for the latest stage of this vital project. Network Rail's work, in collaboration with Heathrow Express, SRSA and the DfT, is crucial to facilitate the redevelopment of Old Oak Common. The new high-speed rail station will be truly transformative, bringing significant passenger and community benefits.”
Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd Rob Avery said: “HS2 is a game-changer for the UK's rail network and the super-hub station at Old Oak Common will offer unrivalled connectivity east, west, north and south. Working collaboratively across all partners, we have reached the stage of decommissioning the second of two previously operational depots at Old Oak Common. This is a crucial step as we begin the construction of the new station.”
Heathrow Express business lead Sophie Chapman said: “The Heathrow Express team have worked jointly with Network Rail and Siemens to ensure the smooth handover of the Heathrow Express depot. By working collaboratively with industry partners, including Great Western Railway, we have ensured the safe running of our passenger service has continued uninterrupted throughout the work, and we look forward to seeing the construction of the HS2 and Network Rail Old Oak Common super hub.”
The phased removal of both the train depots has allowed passenger services to continue running throughout the work.
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This is what West London wants. A new interchange station with HS2, Elizabeth Line, National Rail, Heathrow Express, London Overground and buses.
Do they?