HS2

TfL on the lookout for Barking Riverside extension builder

Transport for London (TfL) has kicked off the process of appointing a contractor to build the Barking Riverside extension, initially through a notice with the Official Journal of the European Union ahead of a formal invitation to tender expected next year.

At present, it is seeking expressions of interest to build the new rail link, which will serve east London’s largest housing development site through a new London Overground station at the heart of Barking Riverside. TfL will then issue a formal ITT in 2017 after design work is completed.

Construction of the 4.5km extension of the Gospel Oak to Barking Line is set to begin next year, with train services starting in 2021. The major project, which will cost around £263m, will be part-funded by TfL’s £360m growth fund, alongside £172m in third-party cash coming from Barking Riverside Limited – a joint venture between the GLA and London & Quadrant.

Both Val Shawcross, deputy mayor of London for transport, and Mike Stubbs, TfL’s London Overground director, said the “vital” new link would help support widespread regeneration in the area.

Stubbs added: “The London Overground network has helped regenerate other parts of London by providing a frequent, reliable and high standard rail services, and this rail extension will help Barking riverside to grow and develop.”

Even though TfL is still waiting for its Transport and Works Act Order, submitted in March, to be approved, the project is all set to go ahead after being endorsed by the capital’s former mayor. The scheme has also received “overwhelming support” from residents in a public consultation completed early last year, where 90% of respondents said they favoured the extension.

Another public inquiry on the project is expected this autumn, following on from three other public consultations, all of which resulted in widespread support for the scheme.

The electrification of the Gospel Oak to Barking route is also due to finish next year, after which Arriva will be able to operate new four-carriage electric trains on the line from 2018, replacing the current two-car diesel trains.

Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.