Transport for London has launched its third public consultation – this on more detailed plans – for the new Crossrail 2 railway line under the Capital. Crossrail 2 would serve central London through an underground tunnelled section between Wimbledon and Tottenham Hale and New Southgate. Current proposals would see Crossrail 2 services become operational in 2030.
The two consultations already carried out by Transport for London and Network Rail have shown overwhelming support for the railway from the public, businesses and others. Feedback from these has been used in the development of more detailed proposals. This consultation now seeks views on:
- Proposed station locations, entrances and exits for the tunnelled section of the route
- Proposed locations of ventilation shafts for the tunnelled section
- Proposed construction sites required to build and operate the tunnelled section of the scheme
- Proposed service patterns and changes to existing National Rail services
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP, said: `Crossrail 2 will be a vital new transport link that will significantly improve capacity on the rail network into and out of London. It will also provide a major boost for jobs, new homes and economic growth here in the Capital and far beyond. Crossrail 2 is a major infrastructure project and so it’s vital that we get it right from the start. This consultation is key to helping us to fine tune the proposals and to ensure that everyone with a view on Crossrail 2 can have their say and is listened to. We know that there’s massive support for Crossrail 2 and there is real excitement and momentum behind our efforts to get it delivered.’
Michele Dix, TfL’s Managing Director of Crossrail 2, said:.
`This consultation gives people the chance to comment on where we are proposing to put station entrances, work sites and ventilation shafts needed to run Crossrail 2. As development of this vital railway continues, we will be taking on board feedback from the consultation to progress the designs for the project, so that we can open the railway by 2030.’
Independent analysis has found that local funding sources can meet over half of the cost of Crossrail 2. These sources include fares revenue, the Business Rate Supplement (BRS) and Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) currently being used to fund Crossrail, and a continuation of the existing Council Tax precept. This local contribution is in addition to increased tax receipts from new economic activity enabled by Crossrail 2 – including additional Stamp Duty receipts from the homes unlocked – and means that the project could generate significantly more tax income for Government than it spends on the scheme.
The public consultation runs until Friday 8 January 2016. There will be further consultations on Crossrail 2 as the scheme develops. The results of the consultation and the outcomes of the Crossrail 2 Growth Commission are expected in spring 2016 and will inform the submission to the Government for development consent. Subject to Government funding and approval, construction could begin in 2020 with the first Crossrail 2 service running in 2030.
Comments: