Pic: Elliot Brown
Transport for London launched a public consultation on 30th September 2014 seeking views on an extension of the Bakerloo line to Lewisham and beyond.
According to the proposed plan the underground line would continue from Elephant and Castle up to Hayes, and possibly stretch as far as Bromley providing better rail connection to central London, thus reducing traffic congestion and supporting developments in the area.
TfL are considering two options for a “tunnelled section” between Elephant and Castle and New Cross Gate and this is what the consultation is about.
TfL’s Managing Director of Planning, Michèle Dix, said: “This is an opportunity for local residents to help shape an extension of the Bakerloo line which will deliver much needed transport infrastructure to south east London. We’re looking at two possible routes for a tunnelled section, as well as a possible extension to Bromley town centre and want to hear people’s views on these proposals.”
The first option would go through the Old Kent Road to support development plans in the area. The other would go via Camberwell and Peckham Rye providing access to central London and decreasing congestion on the Walworth Road.
TfL are also considering where to end the extension. If the line reaches Hayes, it would replace the National Rail line between Lewisham and Hayes.
At the moment 6 trains run hourly between Hayes and London Bridge. This number would be doubled with an extended Bakerloo line, and would ease crowding on the rail network.
South eastern residents would have easier access to stations such as Oxford Circus and Paddington without having to change at London Bridge.
There is a possibility of continuing further East up to Bromley providing a direct link to central London.
Pic: TFL
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “An extension of the Bakerloo line is one of my top priorities and I have asked TfL to bring forward these plans at pace. It would 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 has huge potential to breathe a new lease of life into a swathe of London’s opportunity areas, as well as freeing up capacity on national rail lines. As London’s population continues to rise it is essential that we expand the transport network in this way if we are to meet Londoners’ needs and ensure our city’s continued competitiveness and success.”
The estimated cost of the extension is between £2 – £3 billion. Provided permission is granted and funding is determined, construction would start in 2023, and the extended service would be open by 2030.
TfL wants your say. You can give your views on the extension by completing a questionnaire on www.tfl.gov.uk/bakerloo-extension.
The consultation will be open until December 7 2014, it will then be passed to the Mayor of London and made public in Spring 2015.
Let us know your opinions on these plans by going to our Twitter (@eastlondonlines) or our Facebook page.
