[VIDEO] First Old Oak Common platforms installed

The first platform section has been revealed for the super-hub station for HS2

The first platform slabs have been laid at Old Oak Common station, marking the first of six platforms.

The platforms will cater to HS2’s high speed trains, being up to 400 metres in length.

The first HS2 platforms revealed in Britain

These are the first new platforms for HS2 to be shown in the country.

All six platforms at Old Oak Common are being installed at the same time in advance of eight further surface-level platforms for the Great Western Mainline, Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express services.

Construction is taking place at both ends of the station box, with platforms being laid out in three blocks in “island styles”.

To facilitate the construction, invert walls 1.59 metres in height have been poured, and 1,960 concrete slabs, 4 metres by 2 metres, were placed on top. This allows platforms to be placed with empty space below, allowing for easy access for services and maintenance, including electrical maintenance.

The concrete slabs are made offsite in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

“A reminder of what this railway will achieve”

Huw Edwards, delivery director for stations and placemaking at HS2 Ltd, said: “The installation of the first passenger platforms represents a real step forward in taking HS2 from purely a construction project to the future of Britain’s railways.

“Whilst there is still much more to work to do, standing where passengers will alight HS2 services is a reminder of what this railway will achieve – creating connections between people and places, that will benefit generations to come.”

Steve O’Sullivan, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA project director at HS2 Old Oak Common station, said: “The installation of the first high-speed platforms at Old Oak Common marks a defining moment in the delivery of HS2. It’s a powerful symbol of progress, not just in terms of engineering, but also highlights the change in project focus from the current civil phase of the works to the building, fit-out and the Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health phase of the works. Our teams at BBVS are proud to be laying the foundations of what will become one of the UK’s most important interchange transport hubs.”

HS2’s economic research shows that up to £10bn will be added to the local economy in West London, and will be responsible for more than 22,000 homes within 1.5 miles of Old Oak Common station. The project will also bring 693,000 square metres of commercial floorspace and 18,782 jobs, according to Arcadis.

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