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Bakerloo Line extension plans receive ‘overwhelming’ support

Plans to extend the Bakerloo Line to help meet anticipated population growth in south London have received ‘overwhelming’ support, according to Transport for London (TfL). 

TfL received more than 15,000 responses to its consultation – which proposed two alternative routes between Elephant & Castle and Lewisham – with 96% of respondents welcoming the plans. 

The options include a route via Camberwell and Peckham Rye or via the Old Kent Road.  The cost of the extension is estimated at up to £3bn, and TfL is investigating a range of options with boroughs along the route of the extension for generating funding for the extension from new developments. 

More than 60% of respondents welcomed the option via Camberwell and Peckham Rye, with over 50% giving the reasons of poor connectivity and existing congestion on roads and public transport for their support. 

On top of this, 49% supported the option to Old Kent Road, with 40% of these giving reasons relating to the investment and development opportunities along the route and the lack of public transport options in the area. 

Richard de Cani, TfL’s managing director for planning, said: “The Bakerloo Line extension would provide much needed new rail links for south London to support new homes, jobs and growth and access to public services in the area. 

“We are now considering the consultation responses and route options suggested before we consult on the detailed proposals for the extension next year.” 

As part of the consultation responses a number of alternative routes were also suggested, and TfL will take the opportunity to review these further.  This will include an assessment of costs and benefits of a number of different routes and a comparison against the original route options.  It is estimated that once the relevant permissions are received and necessary funding secured, construction could commence by 2025 and be completed during the early 2030s. 

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “An extension of the Bakerloo Line will provide a vital new transport link for the people of south London and help to spur jobs, new homes and regeneration in this part of the Capital. It is fantastic that so many people are in support of the plans and I am determined to push ahead with them at pace.” 

(Image: c. κύριαsity) 

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