22.03.16
Council leaders call for ‘eastern phase’ to Crossrail 2 to promote growth
Crossrail 2 must be extended to east London in order to foster growth in the region, council leaders have said.
According to a new study from transport consultancy GHD, which was commissioned jointly by Essex, Newham, Hackney and Barking and Dagenham councils and will be published in a few weeks, it says that an ‘eastern phase’ to Crossrail 2 will support economic and population growth in the boroughs.
Crossrail 2 is currently planned to have one line from Angel to Hertfordshire, but the study recommends that the track split after Angel, to accommodate a new branch passing through the eastern boroughs, linking with the Essex Thameside network, and terminating at Basildon and Grays.
Mayor Jules Pipe of Hackney said: “This new research demonstrates the huge potential it would unlock for growth. The threat to these aspirations by expecting the existing transport infrastructure to cope means it’s crucial the government commits as soon as possible.”
Mayor Robin Wales of Newham told the Hackney Citizen: “The government has historically failed to fund infrastructure in east London and have held this part of the city back for too long.
“Investing in Crossrail 2 with an eastern phase would help deliver further economic benefits to the capital and deliver the huge potential of the area. The government must not miss this opportunity.”
Crossrail 2 received the formal green light in last week’s Budget.
(Image: Crossrail 2 regional option map, c. Transport for London)