07.02.13
Crossrail 2 route proposal published
A second Crossrail project, spanning London from south west to north east, could ensure the city’s public transport system copes with huge increases in demand.
Initial plans for Crossrail 2, also known as the Chelsea-Hackney line, have been published by the London First business group with input from Network Rail and TfL, proposing a route that runs through Euston, King’s Cross, Angel, Tottenham Court Road and Victoria.
London First and former transport secretary Lord Adonis (pictured at the launch, below) have published a report stating that the London population is expected to grow by almost 1.5 million to almost 10 million by 2030, putting the rail system under incredible pressure. The planned increase in capcity of over 30% over the next ten years will not be enough to handle this growth.
Crossrail 2 would cost around £12bn and open in the early 2030s.
London First chief executive Jo Valentine said: “A number of less ambitious proposals, requiring less investment, were considered, but the task force’s conclusion was that the proposed scheme would provide a greater return on investment than either a less ambitious project or a package of incremental improvements.”
London Mayor Boris Johnson said: “There is no time to lose and my team will work closely with London First and others on developing plans for this vital railway.”
Transport minister Stephen Hammond said: “As London grows we'll need continued investment in its transport network to accommodate this additional demand, and support continued economic growth.
“Crossrail 2 is certainly one of the options for doing this. I welcome the work done by TfL and the publication of London First's report and will now consider the points it raises.”
David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, said: “If the capital’s economy is to continue to thrive then we must plan now, together, for the transport infrastructure requirements of London’s future.
“Our projections show that by 2031 we will need to accommodate 36% more commuters into London each day. Network Rail is already delivering the biggest capacity improvement programme since the Victorian era, but even that will not be enough on some routes.
“A regional Crossrail 2 scheme will provide the capacity we need to provide for the commuters of the future, providing extra capacity to and through central London and easing overcrowding on the already congested routes into Waterloo and Liverpool Street.”
Transport for London will start initial consultations for the new line in the spring.
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