TfL Advances Plans For DLR And Overground Extensions
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on New Civil Engineer.
This is the first paragraph.
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that it is moving ahead with plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the West London Orbital (WLO), part of the London Overground.
So it appears that despite all their financial problems, some progress is being made.
The Docklands Light Railway Extension To Thamesmead
I first wrote about this project in TfL Considering Extending DLR As Far As Abbey Wood.
Now it appears that TfL has been working with Homes England and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on a feasibility study for the extension.
I would like to see this extension incorporation the following.
- A signature bridge over the Thames with good views of the river.
- A station with a convenient connection to Crossness, which could become one of major London’s tourist attractions with better transport links.
- A connection to the Elizabeth Line at Abbey Wood station.
It could help to level up Thamesmead, whose main claim to fame is that it was where the violent film Clockwork Orange was made.
The West London Orbital Railway
I have written extensively about this railway and you can see my posts here.
This map from the Mayor’s Transport Strategy shows the route.
I believe this railway could do the following.
- Level-up much of North-West London.
- Provide better access to Heathrow.
- Link West London to High Speed Two and the Elizabeth Line.
It would also provide better links to Brentford’s new stadium.
The New Civil Engineer says this about funding.
TfL now confirms that the West London Alliance has commissioned feasibility work for the scheme. Meanwhile, TfL is considering options for a Borough Community Infrastructure Levy to help pay for it and has been investigating development opportunities on the route that could unlock funds via Section 106 planning obligations and Carbon Offset funding.
Conclusion
It does appear there are ways and means to fund these schemes, without expecting the rest of the UK to fund London’s transport network.
The Anonymous Widower 
Better value than CR2! Though to call the west London scheme ‘orbital’ seems to be a misuse of the word. That’s exactly the problem: a lack of joined-up (orbital) thinking, a lack of vision and a lack of energy and will to get things done. In 50 years time we’ll still be talking about the need for a genuinely orbital rail network to serve London.
Nevertheless, I’m cautiously encouraged by these two plans – better small steps than none at all. And they are at least in areas that will benefit from some better transport links.
Comment by Stephen Spark | June 18, 2022 |
and HS2….
both very sound schemes but TfL can’t ignore the Bakerloo Line whose stock reaches the ripe old age of 50 next week. Not many places in the world where stock of that age is still in daily use.
Comment by Nicholas Lewis | June 18, 2022 |
I feel that new trains on the Bakerloo Line will come, but the Mayor’s plan for his home patch of an extension, could be dead in the water, as the improved Bakerloo Line connection at Paddington and the East London Line could provide a workable alternative, which would not need expensive tunnelling.
Comment by AnonW | June 18, 2022
Thamesmead and parts of North West London like Harlesden and Neasden have a similar feeling to that of pre-Overground Dalston.
Twelve years of the Overground has made Dalston, a vibrant, safer and desirable place to live.
If these schemes can work the magic that the Overground did in Dalston, my only thought is bring them on! And bring them on in all similar areas around the UK.
Liverpool and Lancashire have already got the funding for extensions of a similar kind to Merseyrail.
Comment by AnonW | June 18, 2022 |