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Proposed Bakerloo line extension could open by 2030

Posted: 17 December 2015 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed it will begin detailed technical work in 2016 to build a case for the London Underground Bakerloo line extension. The next phase of development will allow TfL to seek permission from Government to start construction of the extended line between Elephant and Castle to Lewisham via Old Kent Road […]

Proposed Bakerloo line extension could open by 2030

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed it will begin detailed technical work in 2016 to build a case for the London Underground Bakerloo line extension.

Proposed Bakerloo line extension could open by 2030

The next phase of development will allow TfL to seek permission from Government to start construction of the extended line between Elephant and Castle to Lewisham via Old Kent Road by 2020. If the project is given the green light, construction is expected to start around 2024 and completed by 2030

Passengers travelling to central London from Lewisham, New Cross and the Old Kent Road would benefit from more frequent services and faster journey times with the Bakerloo Line extension, delivering capacity for 65,000 new trips in each direction.

Green light could see Bakerloo line extension construction begin in 2024

In autumn 2014, TfL carried out an initial public consultation for extending the line south of Elephant and Castle. A total of 15,000 people responded with 96 per cent in favour of an extension. Analysis of the consultation determined a number of possible routes and stations, including options serving over 200 alternative destinations.

On 17 December, TfL published a summary report of how the various options have been assessed against their potential to unlock new homes and improve transport provision in south east London. The report indicates that a route to Lewisham via Old Kent Road has the strongest case, with potential to support the building of 25,000 new homes by improving transport accessibility and capacity along the route.

“The extension of the Bakerloo line will provide a vital new transport link for people living and working in south London.”

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP, said: “The extension of the Bakerloo line will provide a vital new transport link for people living and working in south London. It will help to spur the delivery of jobs, homes and regeneration in this part of the capital and provide much-needed new capacity on a key underground line. The case for a route to Lewisham via Old Kent Road is strong and TfL will now be working closely with the boroughs to fine tune our plans to the next important stage. We’re now firmly on track to get construction on this major project underway by 2024 and have it up and running by 2030.”

In addition, The Mayor and TfL will be working closely with Network Rail and Southwark Council on plans for a new Thameslink station at Camberwell. Construction of the new station will help reduce journey times into central London by up to 20 minutes and provide connections to the Underground and Crossrail.

Richard de Cani, TfL’s Managing Director for Planning, said: “Following a comprehensive assessment of route options for extending the Bakerloo line, a route to Lewisham via Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate provides the greatest opportunity to support growth with the potential to unlock 25,000 new homes whilst improving access to jobs in Central London. Together, these two proposals would unlock growth across a wider area and help improve transport accessibility for people in the Camberwell and Old Kent Road areas.

“No final decisions have been made and next year more detailed work will be carried out before we undertake another public consultation. We will also continue to work closely with the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Southwark, Network Rail and other key stakeholders as we develop our plans.”