Transport for London (TfL) has invited public views on the most detailed proposals yet for an extension of London Underground’s Bakerloo line. The extension would require some 17km of tunnel, in a twin 8.5km length between Lambeth North and Lewisham, via Elephant & Castle, Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate. Currently Slurry TBMs are envisaged for the majority of the lines as they run through Chalk, although between Old Kent Road 1 and Lambeth North the tunnels will transition from Chalk into the Lambeth Group and then into London Clay, so EPBMs will become the method of choice.
This latest consultation follows feedback given in previous public consultations in 2014, which focused on a comprehensive analysis of the route options, and in 2017 which highlighted potential station and shaft locations.
The extension, proposed to run from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham via Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate, is vital to improving public transport capacity for south east London by providing a high frequency Tube service directly into central London.
TfL is now seeking views, as part of a 10-week consultation, on the following proposals:
- A new integrated station entrance at Elephant & Castle which would see the ticket halls for the Bakerloo and Northern lines combined. It would be built as part of the planned upgrade of the Northern line ticket hall, and delivered as part of the proposed new shopping centre development
- The route of the proposed tunnels from Lambeth North to Elephant & Castle, and Elephant & Castle to Lewisham. Now that TfL has decided on the preferred location of the proposed stations and shafts, there is a better understanding of the alignment of the tunnels. TfL’s tunnel route proposals, which include a shorter, quicker route between Lambeth North and Elephant & Castle, are included in this consultation for the first time
- The location of the primary and secondary tunnelling work sites. Having considered a number of options, TfL’s preferred primary work site is at New Cross Gate. TfL is also proposing a new secondary work site as part of the ‘Old Kent Road 1’ station site
- A possible further extension of the route beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction in Bromley, involving the conversion of a Network Rail line
Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: ‘The extension of the Bakerloo line could make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of south Londoners by creating a new direct route into central London and by giving a substantial boost to the local economy.
‘I encourage everyone who lives and works in the area to take part in the latest consultation and to have their say on some vital aspects of the scheme, including the names of the two new stations.’
The consultation will close on Sunday 22 December 2019.
Comments: