A number of large transport projects are currently underway or being planned in London. Transport for London (TfL)'s pipeline includes major new links, upgrades to existing services, and bus and road programmes. While many schemes are actively developed, some are in early planning stages and lack construction funding.
West London Orbital
TfL is running an eight-week consultation until November 18 on a potential 18.5km West London Orbital connecting communities in north and northwest London. The proposed London Overground route would run between Hendon and Hounslow, improving access to major transport hubs and supporting new jobs and homes.
Plans include up to six trains per hour and four new stations at Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common Lane, and Lionel Road, plus additional infrastructure at existing stations. Access to London Underground, London Overground, National Rail, the Elizabeth line, and HS2 would improve, and TfL believes the scheme could remove around 650,000 car journeys a year.
The route could support around 25,000 homes, 11,500 jobs, and up to £1.3 billion in wider economic benefits. A funding package of up to £6.65m for the next design, modelling, and consultation phase was agreed earlier this year, with a decision on seeking construction powers due in 2027. Construction could begin in the early 2030s, with services potentially starting around 2035, subject to funding and approvals.
DLR extension to Thamesmead
TfL is also working on a proposed Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension to Thamesmead, serving the Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead redevelopment areas in east London. The route would require a new tunnel beneath the Thames and could support up to 25,000 homes and 10,000 jobs.
The HM Treasury approved a loan for TfL and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to build the extension in the November 2025 budget. TfL is preparing a Transport and Works Act application, with construction potentially beginning around 2029 and opening in the early 2030s, subject to funding and approvals. The project is estimated to cost around £1.6 billion.
Bakerloo line extension
Under TfL proposals, a Bakerloo line extension to Lewisham – and potentially beyond – could unlock thousands of jobs and homes. The primary extension, which could see 27 trains per hour, would include additional stations at Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate, and the line's ageing fleet would be replaced with modern trains.
A potential second phase could extend the line from Lewisham through Catford, Sydenham, Beckenham, and Hayes, taking over the existing National Rail route. A public consultation is scheduled between December 2026 and February 2027.
HS2
HS2 is moving forward despite extended timelines and rising costs. When proposed in 2010, Phase 1 was expected to open by December 2026, but services from Old Oak Common to Birmingham are now scheduled to open between May 2036 and October 2039. The full extension to London Euston is expected between 2040 and 2043. The high-speed railway has been under construction since 2020.
Crossrail 2
Crossrail 2, a proposed line linking national rail networks in Surrey and Hertfordshire via a new underground tunnel through central London, is on hold. The route would run from Wimbledon through Chelsea and central London to Tottenham Hale and New Southgate, connecting with Victoria, London Euston, and St Pancras for direct access to HS2 and Eurostar.
TfL paused design and development work in 2020 and is maintaining the safeguarded route rather than progressing it towards construction. There is no current timetable for the project to restart.
Great Northern rail devolution
TfL is seeking control of Great Northern inner suburban rail services to integrate them into the London Overground network. The proposed devolution would bring services from Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage under Overground control. TfL and the Mayor of London target a handover by December 2027, aiming to increase off-peak frequencies to six trains per hour on the Hertford Loop.
A business case has been submitted to the government, which says it could use its own operating budget to take over the route while improving fares, ticketing, stations, and customer information.
Piccadilly line upgrade
A new fleet of Piccadilly line trains is being introduced as part of a £3.4 billion programme, with 94 trains entering service between December 2026 and June 2027. The trains will have air conditioning, walk-through carriages, wider doors, improved accessibility, enhanced digital displays, improved step-free access, and on-train CCTV cameras. Once fully introduced, peak service should rise from 24 to 27 trains per hour, with potential for further increases after future signalling investment.
Superloop
TfL is expanding Superloop, the capital's orbital express bus network. A new route launched in September, with more to come in 2027 between Stratford and Chingford Hatch, and between Clapham Junction and Eltham. Since its launch in July 2023, the Superloop network has accommodated around 81 million trips.
