HS2

Crossrail 2 must be developed ‘as a priority’ and delivered by 2033 – NIC

Crossrail 2 must be taken forward as a priority to meet the demands of London’s growth, the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) said in a new report published today.

The report says that London will be a ‘megacity’ of more than 10 million people by 2033, putting extensive pressure on transport and infrastructure – for example, the amount of passengers at morning peak times at Waterloo, Clapham Junction and Victoria will increase by 40%, causing operational difficulties.

It says that Transport for London (TfL) and the Department for Transport (DfT) should look into proposals to maximise Crossrail 2’s benefits, including getting more than 50% funding from London, and prepare a revised business proposal by March 2017 and a hybrid bill by autumn 2019 in order to ensure the line can open in 2033.

Lord Adonis, chair of the NIC, said: “London needs Crossrail 2 as quickly as possible. A new North-East to South-West line would help relieve severe overcrowding across some of the busiest Network Rail stations in the country, and the most congested Underground lines and overground commuter routes.”

The commission recommend that TfL and DfT strike a ‘London deal for Crossrail 2’ funding agreement where London taxpayers and businesses pay more than half the costs of the scheme.

The report also states that delivery should maximise private sector involvement in the development and funding of stations, look at ways to build at least 200,000 homes along the route, and identity proposals to increase affordability, such as delaying the north-western branch to New Southgate.

The NIC stated that Crossrail 2 should be ‘at the heart’ of the new London Plan, alongside existing commitments to upgrades and other pieces of new infrastructure. However, it should not prevent the development of other high value schemes.

It has also been recommended that the revised business case should include developed plans on costs, funding, housing and stations.

Lord Adonis called for greater business investment in major new infrastructure projects like Crossrail 2 at last year’s TransCityRail North event. Network Rail’s chair, Sir Peter Hendy, also reiterated this call at a recent London Assembly Transport hearing.

It was also revealed in December 2015 that HS2 and the DfT agreed a major package of assurances with Camden Council, including a £4m construction skills centre and oversight over Euston station and Crossrail 2, in an effort to mitigate the programmes’ impact in the area.