Future Elizabeth line passengers using HS2’s landmark Old Oak Common station will benefit from level boarding and step-free access following a major agreement between HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, Transport for London and the Department for Transport.
The decision marks a significant accessibility milestone for one of the UK's most ambitious transport hubs. Located between Paddington and Acton Main Line, Old Oak Common will become the 42nd station on the Elizabeth line and provide connections to more than 100 destinations across the country.
The Department for Transport has approved an exemption from standard national platform height requirements, allowing platforms 5 to 8 to be built at a height specifically optimised for Elizabeth line trains while remaining fully compliant with accessibility regulations.
As a result, many passengers with reduced mobility will be able to board and alight trains independently without the need for ramps or staff assistance. The design will also benefit passengers travelling with luggage, families with pushchairs and older travellers by significantly reducing the gap between train and platform.
The improvement extends beyond Elizabeth line services. HS2's six underground high-speed platforms are also being built as step-free facilities, creating a seamless interchange experience between HS2 and Elizabeth line services at what is set to become one of Britain's most connected rail stations.
Under previous proposals, platforms would have been constructed to conventional national rail standards, meaning ramps would have been required to achieve step-free access for Elizabeth line passengers.
The solution emerged through extensive technical, operational and accessibility assessments, including collaboration with accessibility campaign groups, passenger panels and train operators. It also reflects a new delivery approach introduced under the HS2 Reset programme, bringing together organisations responsible for designing, constructing and operating the station.
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:
"Everyone should be able to travel confidently and independently on our rail network, so I’m delighted that passengers using the Elizabeth line at Old Oak Common will benefit from level boarding and seamless step-free access.
"This is a practical improvement that will make journeys easier for thousands of people and shows what can be achieved when the rail industry works together to put passengers first."
The engineering solution involves lowering the tracks serving platforms 5 to 8 and installing solid concrete slab track through the station rather than traditional ballast. While the platforms will accommodate a range of passenger and freight services, level boarding will be available when Elizabeth line services call at their designated platforms.
Construction of Old Oak Common's six underground HS2 platforms has already been completed, with work now progressing on eight ground-level platforms that will serve Elizabeth line, Great Western Main Line and Heathrow Express services.
The station is expected to become a major catalyst for economic growth across west London.
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."
Research undertaken by Arcadis indicates that HS2's arrival at Old Oak Common could generate £10 billion of economic value over the next decade. The study found the project could support more than 22,000 new homes, almost 700,000 square metres of commercial floorspace and nearly 19,000 jobs within a 1.5-mile radius of the station.
With accessibility, connectivity and economic growth now increasingly aligned, Old Oak Common is shaping up to be one of the most transformational railway stations delivered in Britain in recent decades.
Image credit: HS2 Ltd
