Media centre

Friday 20 May 2016

Green light for major improvements at Acton Main Line station

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

| Southern

Acton Main Line is set to get a new bright, modern station building following Ealing Council’s approval of designs that were submitted in March.

The transformation of the station will be carried out by Network Rail as part of the Crossrail project in preparation for the arrival of Elizabeth line services.

A range of other major improvements will be made to the station, including:

• New lifts to provide step-free access to both platforms
• Platform extensions to accommodate the new 200 metre long trains
• A new platform canopy, lighting, customer information screens, station signage, help points and CCTV.

The striking new glass and steel ticket hall, which has been designed by Bennetts Associates on behalf of Network Rail, will be located on Horn Lane.

In order to minimise the impact on passengers whilst ensuring safety at all times, Acton Main Line station will remain open and operational for passengers while the construction work takes place behind hoardings. During this time, walking routes around the station and access to the platforms may be subject to change.

From the end of 2017 the station will be run by Transport for London as part of London’s integrated transport network.

Matthew Steele, Crossrail Programme Director at Network Rail said: “Acton Main Line is one of nine stations that we are completely transforming as part of our massive programme of works for the Crossrail project. Our approved design will provide a greatly enhanced passenger experience for those using the station – the ticket office will be light and airy and the station will be fully accessible, with new lifts providing step-free access from street level to trains.”

Matthew White, Crossrail Surface Director said: “The Crossrail project will provide a step change in public transport for people in the local area. The major improvements at Acton Main Line will transform passengers’ experience of using the station and the new Elizabeth line service will make it quicker and easier for people to get to a range of destinations across London and the South East.”

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: “It is getting very exciting as the arrival of the Elizabeth line draws nearer. Ealing is one of only two London boroughs which will have five Elizabeth line stations. This will make a huge difference to commuters and bring significant economic benefits to the borough. We worked closely with Crossrail to ensure that the new stations are well-designed, innovative and accessible so that travelling is a speedy and pleasant experience. That is why it is particularly pleasing to see that the new Acton station will have lifts to every platform.”

David Laing, Studio Director at Bennetts Associates said: “Our design for Acton Main Line, as with the other west London stations, aims to transform the passenger experience for both commuters and visitors by creating a tall, naturally lit ticket hall with clearly defined routes to the platforms. The station building, a glazed pavilion with distinctive structure and canopied frontage is clearly part of a series of west London stations that celebrate the arrival of the Elizabeth line.”

When the new railway fully opens in 2019, four Elizabeth line services an hour in each direction will serve Acton Main Line station, allowing passengers to travel right through central London without having to change trains. Passengers will be able to get to Bond Street in 9 minutes and Liverpool Street in 16 minutes, while the journey to Canary Wharf will take 23 minutes.