24.03.15
Crossrail 2 safeguarding agreed
Crossrail 2 has taken a step forward as the safeguarding for the route has been agreed.
The safeguarding was granted by the transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, and updated the previous safeguarding directions for the Chelsea to Hackney Line, which dates back to 1991.
Crossrail 2 will run across central London, from New Southgate and Tottenham Hale in the north-east to Wimbledon in the south-west. The route passes through the City of Westminster, the London Boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Merton, Wandsworth, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The route is designed to address capacity constraints, relieving London Underground and National Rail networks, as well as providing new connections across the capital.
The decision, which protects the route of the proposed new line, follows a public consultation which set out the route that would be needed for the construction of Crossrail 2 and, importantly, protects it from potential redevelopment plans that could affect it being built.
Whilst the safeguarding will protect the route, the precise details will be subject to a further public consultation in the autumn.
In the meantime the new safeguarding directions will see relevant planning applications in safeguarded areas referred to TfL for advice. If development interferes with Crossrail 2, either a compromise will be reached or the development will not be allowed.
McLoughlin said: “Supporting transport infrastructure in London is a vital part of our long-term economic plan. Crossrail 2 has the potential to improve connectivity, increase capacity and generate tens of thousands of jobs.
“To bring about all these benefits we need good planning, especially in a crowded and fast-paced city like London. These updated plans to safeguard the route will ensure that land most vital for its construction is protected so that, if constructed, the line can go to areas that will give the maximum benefits and value for money.”
Michèle Dix, TfL’s MD for Crossrail 2, added: “Confirmation of the updated safeguarding is fantastic news and is another step closer to delivering this much needed new rail line. We are of course still in the early stages of the proposed plans, but this announcement allows start to build a strong business case for further investment into the Capital’s transport infrastructure.”
The business case will now be developed with the help of four major consultancy groups TfL appointed earlier this year. More detailed proposals for the route, including route alignment and station locations, will be prepared for a further public consultation later in the autumn. Further detailed design will then be needed and an Application for Powers to build the scheme could be submitted in 2017 with the railway being operational by 2030.
To view the safeguarded route click here.
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