HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Green Light for East London Line Extension [October 2001]
The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 9 October 2001.
The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and Transport for London (TfL) have welcomed today’s decision from Secretary of State, Stephen Byers, to grant planning consent under the Transport and Works Act for a Southern extension to the East London Line (ELL).
The powers, granted to London Underground, pave the way for National Rail services to link the North London Line with the South London Line through the Brunel Thames Tunnel, via new and existing East London railway lines. The project forms a key part of the SRA and TfL’s ‘Orbirail’ strategy, which seeks to develop an orbital rail route providing metro-type services around London, incorporating the existing North, South and West London Lines.
Today’s announcement follows a public inquiry which reported to the Government in late 2000, and completes the planning powers necessary for the full East London Line Extension project to commence. Powers for the Northern extension were granted to London Underground in 1997.
The ELL Extension has been developed jointly by the SRA, TfL and London Underground. The SRA is leading the financing vehicle to deliver the extension; TfL has an interest in the development of new transport links in the Capital, and is developing plans for integrated transport interchanges at new stations on the Extension; London Underground holds the formal planning powers for the extension and is undertaking the first phase of construction work.
Mike Grant, Chief Executive of the SRA, said:
“Today marks an important step forward in improving transport links for Londoners. The East London Line Extension will enable fast, frequent and direct rail services around and across the Capital, integrating closely with the Underground and other transport networks. It will also play a significant role in the continuing regeneration of East London. We are looking forward to progressing this major project in partnership with TfL, London Underground and the local authorities.”
Bob Kiley, Commissioner of TfL, said:
“Today’s decision gives us the green light to start on this important project that will radically improve public transport links for many Londoners. The East London line extension is a vital part of TfL’s plans to provide a 21st century Metro service for London. We are taking the integrated approach to this major scheme that Londoners want to see, and I am looking forward to working with our partners to make the East London Line a success.”
Work is planned to take place in four distinct phases – the last of which is due for completion by the end of 2006 – and involves the construction of a brand new railway line along existing but disused railway alignments. The programme will include building or repairing a number of bridges, viaducts and flying junctions, constructing four new stations in Hackney and one in Lewisham, and modifying track and signalling on the present ELL.
