HS2 to lower tracks for step-free Elizabeth line access at Old Oak Common

Why Old Oak Common Needed a Track Lowering Solution

Conventionally, national rail platforms are set to a standard height of 915mm above the rails to accommodate a mix of passenger, freight, and engineering trains. This standard height is a legacy of Britain’s railway evolution, where various historical companies built to different specifications, making 915mm the established compromise. However, this height creates a vertical gap for passengers boarding at many stations.

When the Elizabeth line was under construction in 2018, it received a special exemption from these rules for its central London stations. This exemption ensured step-free access at platform doors by restricting the line’s flexibility to serve other types of trains, a trade-off deemed acceptable since the route only needed to serve its own rolling stock.

At Old Oak Common, national rail platforms were initially built to the UK national standard height. If left unchanged, Elizabeth line trains would have required manual ramps to provide step-free access. Transport for London (TfL) flagged this issue when it became clear that Old Oak Common would serve as the HS2 terminus, resulting in a much higher passenger volume than originally planned.

TfL projects that Elizabeth line passengers will account for approximately 90 percent of interchanges at the station. Consequently, failing to provide level boarding would have required numerous ramps, additional staff, and longer dwell times at platforms, ultimately slowing down the transit service.

Engineering the Step-Free Design at Platforms 5 to 8

Instead of raising the platforms—which would have forced a costly and complex redesign of supporting station infrastructure like lifts, stairs, and escalators—planners opted to lower the railway itself. By lowering the trackbed at Platforms 5 to 8, engineers can construct all platforms and associated equipment to a unified specification.

The station will utilize a solid concrete slab track through this section rather than traditional ballast. London’s Transport Commissioner Andy Lord noted that level boarding is vital for customer safety and accessibility given the high volume of expected interchanges.

While station signs will generally direct Elizabeth line trains to platforms 5 through 8 and national rail services to platforms 1 through 4, the station layout maintains operational flexibility. An HS2 spokesperson confirmed that the new Elizabeth line tracks and platforms are designed to let compatible passenger and freight services use the relief line platforms when necessary.

If GWR or Heathrow Express trains occasionally use the Elizabeth line platforms—such as during engineering works—passengers will have to step up to the platform or down to the train. Because platform ramps are built for gaps where the train sits higher than the platform, passenger assistance will be provided during these rare operational exceptions.

Collaborative Planning and Local Impact

The approved redesign is the result of technical and accessibility work involving HS2, Network Rail, TfL, and the Department for Transport, alongside input from train operators and accessibility groups. Talks between the agencies have been underway since TfL raised the capacity concerns.

Andy Lord stated that the project will also provide step-free access from the street, benefiting local residents and commuters while supporting planned housing growth in the surrounding area. The decision ensures that Old Oak Common joins the Elizabeth line’s existing 41 stations in offering fully step-free access between the train and the platform.

Common Questions About the Old Oak Common Redesign

Why can’t standard railway platforms accommodate level boarding for the Elizabeth line?

National rail platforms use a standard height of 915mm to accommodate diverse traffic including freight and engineering trains, which creates a vertical gap for passenger services. The Elizabeth line uses specialized trains that require a lower platform interface for direct, step-free boarding.

Which platforms at Old Oak Common are affected by the track lowering?

Platforms 5 through 8, which primarily serve the Elizabeth line, will have their tracks lowered and will use a solid concrete slab track instead of ballast.

Will other train operators ever use the modified Elizabeth line platforms?

Yes. The platforms are designed so that compatible passenger and freight services, such as GWR or Heathrow Express, can use them during engineering works or disruptions, though passenger assistance will be provided due to the height difference.

Who approved the final station redesign?

The government approved the redesign following technical and accessibility planning by HS2, Network Rail, Transport for London, and the Department for Transport.