A new agreement between HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, Transport for London and the Department for Transport will see passengers using Elizabeth line services at HS2’s Old Oak Common station benefit from step-free access once the station opens for operation.
Located in west London between Paddington and Acton Main Line; Old Oak Common will serve as the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth line, as well as one of the UK’s best-connected stations, with trains set to serve over 100 destinations.
The decision to enable step-free access follows a series of extensive technical, operational and accessibility works, including consultation with campaign groups, accessibility panels and relevant train operators.
An exemption from the nation’s usual platform height requirements was authorised by the Department for Transport, which will allow platforms 5 to 8 to be constructed at a height optimised for Elizabeth line trains whilst complying with applicable accessibility requirements.
This reduction in step and gap between Elizabeth line trains is intended to allow passengers with reduced mobility to both board and leave trains independently, as well as make journeys easier for those travelling with luggage, parents and carers with pushchairs, older passengers and anyone who finds it difficult to negotiate the usual step between a platform and train.
All HS2 platforms at Old Oak Common will also feature step-free access, allowing passengers a ‘seamless and safe step-free journey’ between Elizabeth line and HS2 services, as well as through the station itself.
Previous plans would have seen Elizabeth line platforms built to standard heights used across the national rail network, which would have necessitated the use of ramps in order to allow customers to board outgoing trains.
Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, said:Old Oak Common is set to become one of the best-connected new stations ever built in the UK and delivering step-free access here is vital for passenger safety and accessibility.”
This engineering solution shows what can be achieved when HS2, Network Rail, Transport for London, the Department for Transport, train operators and accessibility groups work together to prioritise passengers.
The new station is projected to boost the west London economy by £10 billion over the next decade. We remain focussed on safely opening the railway from Old Oak Common to Birmingham Curzon Street in 2037 and creating a station that provides better journeys and supports growth for generations to come.
The chosen engineering solution for the situation involves the lowering of tracks serving platforms 5 to 8, as well as the installation of solid concrete slab track through the station instead of ballast. The platforms will be designed to accommodate a range of both passenger and freight services in a bid to provide full operational flexibility for the railway.
Level boarding will be available to Elizabeth line passengers when services are calling at their usual platforms, and work is now set to begin on Old Oak Common’s remaining eight conventional platforms at ground level, which will serve the Elizabeth line, Great Western Main Line and Heathrow Express.
