18.12.15
Bakerloo Line extension ‘firmly on track’ for 2030 opening
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed it will press on with the proposed Bakerloo Line extension, pledging to begin the detailed technical work in 2016 and potentially start construction by 2024.
The technical work will try to build a case to central government for taking the line from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham via Old Kent Road. The estimated cost is £2.57bn.
If the project gets the go-ahead by 2020, TfL plans to build the extension from 2024 to 2030.
Following TfL’s consultation on the extension in 2014, during which 96% of the 15,000 respondents indicated “overwhelming support” towards plans, it has now published a summary report of how the various options have been assessed.
The route to Lewisham via Old Kent Road – which TfL claims had the strongest case, as it could deliver it more quickly and affordably – was one of the two in the original proposal, which also suggested a different route via Camberwell and Peckham Rye.
But according to Richard de Cani, TfL’s managing director for planning, no final decisions have been made yet, with another public consultation expected next year after more detailed work is carried out.
An extension beyond Lewisham still remains an option for a future phase.
Funding options are still being considered, with an existing potential to look at similar funding mechanisms as that being used for the Northern line extension – which is being financed by GLA borrowing, repaid from developers’ contributions, the community infrastructure levy and income from higher business rates, according to TfL’s Finance & Policy Committee board papers.
TfL will also work closely with the London boroughs of Lewisham and Southwark, Network Rail and other relevant businesses as it develops plans further.
Boris Johnson MP, mayor of London and strong supporter of the extension, 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.”
(Top image c. κύριαsity)