Plans to expand the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) across the Thames to one of London’s most isolated suburbs have been submitted to the Government for approval.
The scheme, which would see the DLR extended from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, is estimated to help unlock up to 10,000 new jobs and 30,000 new homes.
The area, located in south-east London and just north of Abbey Wood, is currently unserved by Tube, DLR, Overground and National Rail services.
The business case submitted to the Government outlines how the project could have a transformative effect on the area, and forms a necessary step towards receiving the required funding for it.
If built, the new DLR branch would split off from the existing route near Gallions Reach, with a new station created at Beckton Riverside.
A new tunnel would then be dug under the Thames to carry the line to Thamesmead – which, if built, would have a claim to be the most easterly Thames crossing in Greater London.
There are also proposals to improve bus provision in the area, including new bus lanes along a route stretching from Woolwich to Abbey Wood, going via Thamesmead to enable better connectivity between the Elizabeth line and the new DLR branch.
The project is dependent on funding from the Government and the receipt of planning permission, but the aim is to agree on an affordable solution by 2025, in order to enable construction to begin as early as 2028 and opening the DLR extension to customers in the early 2030s.
Transport for London said the scheme will build on experience from 2009 when the DLR was extended to Woolwich Arsenal tunnelling beneath the River Thames, with housing growth following in areas including Woolwich, Canning Town, Pontoon Dock and West Silvertown.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Extending the DLR would unlock huge opportunities for London. It would support tens of thousands of new homes, deliver new transport connections, and boost the economy – supporting the creation of thousands of jobs.
“Investment in our transport network is key to building a better, fairer, more prosperous London for all.”
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “We’ve seen what can be achieved with investment in public transport bringing transformational change over the past few years with the Elizabeth line, the Northern line extension to Battersea and the London Overground extension to Barking Riverside.
“This strategic outline case [submitted to the Government] is the next step on the way to making this scheme a reality.”
