Construction work has started at Northolt to make it the next Tube station to provide step-free access. Transport for London (TfL) will ensure that the station remains open throughout the work, which will deliver a new footbridge and lift to access the island platform.
The station, on the West Ruislip branch of the Central line, will be step-free from street to platforms with boarding ramps also being provided to help customers with accessibility needs board trains. The work is being funded by TfL and is expected to be completed in summer 2026.
Work starting at Northolt comes soon after similar news at Leyton Tube station, and while design work is going on elsewhere around London to add to the number of step-free stations on the TfL network as part of the Mayor’s ambitious goal of making 50 per cent of Tube stations step-free.
Stuart Harvey, Chief Capital Officer at Transport for London, said: “Northolt Tube station becoming step-free will benefit thousands of customers in the area and make the station more accessible for those using it.
“We will continue to work at pace to identify where step-free schemes can make a difference to our customers, and work with partners to deliver those schemes. Northolt station will remain open during these works, and we will work with contractors to ensure we minimise any disruption to our neighbours while this crucial construction work is completed.”
Ealing Council leader, Peter Mason, said: “It’s great to see that this work is back on track after the pandemic. It will make such a big difference to people in Northolt, especially those with mobility issues, parents with pushchairs, carers and older residents. This is a significant step forward towards making public transport in our community fairer and accessible to all.”
Bassam Mahfouz, London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, said: “Northolt is an incredibly busy station and local residents deserve the right to have an accessible platform to connect them into central London and beyond. I was delighted to gain the commitment previously. Now with COVID out of the way, it’s full steam ahead to open up the station to parents with buggies, shoppers, the elderly and disabled, really putting Northolt on the map.”
During construction, the width of the island platform will be reduced by temporary fencing around the areas being worked on. Station staff will be visible on the platform to keep passengers safe during peak hours, and TfL will continue to engage with residents and local representatives to provide updates as the work progresses.
Northolt Tube station is also on the Superloop SL9 route, linking Heathrow to Harrow. Making Northolt step-free will open new journey options for those travelling to Heathrow Airport using Superloop services, which are already fully step-free.
More than a third of Underground stations across the capital are step-free and TfL is working hard to increase this number to help create a fairer, more accessible and inclusive transport network.
The improvement project at the station was delayed in 2020 and new analysis and design was required before the work could continue. As part of the work, the existing public toilets will close in April 2025 before new, accessible toilet facilities open when the project has been completed.
Image credit: TfL
