Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions

East London line southern extensions given go-ahead
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date 10 Oct 2001 00:00
source Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions
type Press release

Plans for two southerly extensions to the East London Line have been approved today by Transport Secretary Stephen Byers.

Powers are being granted to London Underground Limited to extend the East London Line southwards in two directions. The first 2.5 km link, which includes the construction of a new station at Surrey Canal Road, will connect with the railway network''s South London Line. A second flyover link will join up with the railway network''s Croydon line and will include the construction of a train servicing facility at New Cross Gate.

Together with proposals for a northern extension, the scheme aims to improve public transport for poorly served areas, reduce interchange and congestion, integrate the ELL with main line rail services, light rail and buses, and provide additional capacity for growing demand.

Commenting on the decision, Mr Byers said:

''Our approval of this scheme, in line with the Inspector''s recommendation, demonstrates our commitment to delivering better public transport services in and around London.

''The scheme will greatly improve public transport links in the capital and bring a wide range of benefits. It will provide better integration of public transport services, improved rail access and quicker journeys for many people.

''These improvements to rail services will in turn generate economic and regeneration benefits for the areas served.

''London Underground and the Strategic Rail Authority will now develop their plans for the project and submit their proposals for funding within the SRA''s overall Strategic Plan and the Government''s 10 Year Plan rail budget.

''Today''s announcement demonstrates that the Government is determined to ensure that passengers get the services they deserve. The placing of Railtrack into administration will not hold this up and the funding for the 10 year plan remains.''

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Following a public inquiry in November 2000 into objections and other representations made about the proposals, the inquiry Inspector (Mr R V Holley) recommended that the TWA Order should be made, and planning permission granted subject to a number of conditions designed to minimise the environmental impact. The Secretary of State has decided, in a letter issued today to all interested parties, to accept the Inspector''s recommendations.

2. Media copies of the decision letter, which gives the full details of the decisions and the reasons for them, are available from the DTLR Press Office. Non-media copies are available from the TWA Processing Unit on 020 7944 2488.

3. Powers to extend the East London Line (ELL) northwards from Whitechapel to Dalston were given in 1997, under the Transport and Works Act (TWA). In 2000, London Underground Limited applied to the Secretary of State for TWA powers to construct two southerly extensions.

4. Further details of the project can be obtained from:

London Underground Limited 55 Broadway London SW1H 0BD

Railhub Archive ::: 2001-10-10 DTR-001