Project Profile: Western Rail Access to Heathrow (WRAtH)

The Western Rail Access to Heathrow (WRAtH) is a major proposed infrastructure project designed to create a direct, double-track rail link from the Great Western Main Line (GWML) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The core of the project involves constructing a 5km tunnel to provide a resilient, high-capacity connection for passengers travelling from the West of England and Wales. This profile outlines the project’s technical specifications, strategic importance, and current status.

Project Fact Sheet

Technical Specifications

The engineering scope of the WRAtH project is centered on the construction of a new junction on the GWML between Langley and Iver stations. This junction will allow services from Reading and Slough to divert onto the new dedicated line towards Heathrow. The majority of the 5km route will be housed within a twin-bore tunnel, constructed between 10m and 30m below ground using state-of-the-art tunnel boring machines (TBMs). Each bore is designed with a diameter of 6m to 7m to accommodate standard heavy rail rolling stock and associated overhead line equipment.

Extensive geotechnical investigations, led by Jacobs Engineering Group, were foundational to the tunnel’s design, ensuring its stability and minimising surface disruption during construction. The project requires complex integration with existing infrastructure, including advanced signalling systems compatible with the GWML’s digital signalling upgrades and the connection to existing platforms at Heathrow Terminal 5. The meticulous planning aims to mitigate any impact on the operational railway during the construction and commissioning phases.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Connectivity: Creates the first direct rail link to Heathrow from the West, enabling passengers from areas like Reading, Bristol, and Cardiff to travel to the airport without changing at London Paddington, cutting journey times significantly.
• Economic Catalyst: The project is projected to deliver over £800 million in economic benefits and support up to 42,000 jobs during its construction and operational life, boosting regional growth and investment.
• Sustainable Transport: By providing a viable alternative to road travel, WRAtH is forecast to remove one million car journeys from the roads annually, reducing traffic congestion on the M4 corridor and lowering carbon emissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the current status of the Western Rail Link to Heathrow?

As of late 2025, the Western Rail Access to Heathrow (WRAtH) project is on hold. The project has completed its planning and design phases and has secured a Development Consent Order (DCO), but it is awaiting a final funding agreement and government approval to proceed to the construction stage.

How will the WRAtH project connect to the existing railway?

The proposed route involves constructing a new junction on the Great Western Main Line between Langley and Iver stations. From there, a new 5km rail line, mostly in a twin-bore tunnel, will connect directly to the existing rail infrastructure and platforms located at Heathrow Terminal 5.