In preparation for the opening of Brent Cross West station this autumn, the station has passed a range of safety and technical tests, another step forward for the programme.

Over the past two weeks, Thameslink trains have successfully arrived at and departed from the station during overnight trial runs.

Brent Cross West will become a new stop between Cricklewood and Hendon on the Midland Main Line.  Thameslink will manage the new station and operate its services of up to eight trains per hour.

The essential testing included safe boarding, alighting and dispatch from the platforms.  On board passenger information displays were also looked at and the new station’s name has also been added to arrival announcements and route diagrams.

The tests were carried out by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)’s station project team and the ASLEF union’s Health and Safety representatives.

Tom Causebrook, GTR’s Infrastructure Project manager, said: “Our testing focussed on ensuring that the station’s platforms are safe for passengers and staff. Included in the checklist were making sure trains stopped at the right points, the mechanisms for selective door opening worked correctly, our drivers have good visibility along the platforms, and passenger announcements on the trains’ information screens are at the right times. We’re delighted that the results are really positive.”

“Now we’re looking forward to further elements of the station being completed so that our staff can move in and do their station-specific training in time for the autumn opening.”

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council, addedd: “The new Brent Cross West station is fundamental to our plans to transform the local area, creating thousands of new jobs and much-needed new housing. It’s great to see the platforms pass GTR’s safety and operational tests – another vital milestone for this ambitious project.”

About Brent Cross West

Brent Cross West station is a key part of the ambitious Brent Cross Cricklewood Regeneration Programme, and will provide the gateway to Barnet’s new park town, Brent Cross Town.

The new station is being led by Barnet Council, built by VolkerFitzpatrick, and project managed by Mace, with Network Rail a key programme partner.

The four-platform station which covers around 7,000 square metres, will provide a gateway to north London’s new park town, Brent Cross Town, with trains from central London taking as little as 12 minutes. There will also be direct links to Luton international airport and connections with Eurostar services from St Pancras.

The Brent Cross West rail project is not limited to a new station. A new overbridge will give pedestrians and cyclists the ability to cross this part of the Midland Main Line for the first time since it was built more than 150 years ago, linking communities on both sides of the station. Read more here about Brent Cross West.