A series of crucial works to build Brent Cross West station were completed over the 29-31 May bank holiday weekend.

The installation of the first half of the Eastern Overbridge

This was the last of three bank holiday weekends in April and May where teams from VolkerFitzpatrick, Network Rail, and Amey, all led by Mace, took possession of the railway line. That meant closing the Midland Main Line between West Hampstead and Mill Hill Broadway while teams carried out the re-modelling works which are crucial in allowing Brent Cross West station to be built as part of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme.

As well as installing 2,130 metres of new track, these weekends also saw the installation of the first part of the Eastern Overbridge over the Mayday holiday. The bridge, which will be completed later this year, will be available for public use when the station opens in December 2022, and will provide the first pedestrian and cycleway over this part of the Midland Main Line since the track opened here in the 19^th century.

And on 29 May, another temporary bridge was installed, giving workers and construction materials safe access to the fast line concourse areas whilst trains continue to run on the line.

This weekend’s line works are only the latest in a series of recent landmarks on the railway programme.

In March the new sidings were completed, clearing the way for the new station construction. This was accompanied by a new level crossing installation, allowing staff to cross the tracks safely to get to and from the trains.

And it has also been agreed that Brent Cross West will have passive provision for the proposed West London Orbital (WLO) rail route. The new route would offer additional cross-London services, plus potential links with the HS2 line to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Creating passive provision now will mean it is less expensive to make Brent Cross West a part of the route at a later date.

Staff at work over the Mayday bank holiday weekend

Brent Cross West and the associated rail infrastructure is being delivered by Barnet Council. The new station is at the heart of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It will provide a gateway to Brent Cross Town, a new neighbourhood for Barnet that will bring thousands of new homes, jobs, improved schools, leisure, retail and cultural facilities to the area.