First platforms installed at Old Oak Common

Engineers are installing platform slabs in the underground box, which will form the platforms passengers will use when boarding or alighting high-speed trains in the future.

There will be six platforms for high-speed services, used by HS2’s fleet of 400-metre trains, as well as eight surface-level platforms for the Great Western Mainline, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services.

All six high-speed platforms, laid out as three ‘island’ style blocks, are being installed at the same time, with construction taking place from either end of the station box.

Nizar Awad, Old Oak Common Project Director at SYSTRA, said: “Milestone after milestone, the progress is amazing on this megaproject.

“Following on from the base slab being completed earlier this year, the station box is a hive of activity as it is readied for the fit-out, with lifts, escalator shafts and equipment rooms, as well as these platforms, continuously filling the massive cavern that will form the below-ground high-speed station.

“Above ground, the superstructure rising above the hoardings is now visible to the passing public.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our team’s contribution to this iconic project.”

Milestone after milestone, the progress is amazing on this megaproject.

Nizar Awad, Old Oak Common Project Director, SYSTRA Ltd

The station is being constructed by HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA (BBVS JV), which began permanent work after the Transport Secretary gave the thumbs up to the station in June 2021. The structure of the huge 850m-long underground station box at Old Oak Common was completed this year, including the 45,000sq/m base slab.

The BBVS JV team is also working a level above the base slab where the platform construction is taking place to construct the ground floor level of the station. From there the superstructure of the station can be built, creating the vibrant station environment.