Transport
London Thames Gateway has the fastest growing transport infrastructure in the UK. Transport is at the top of everyone's agenda here, and several major new and proposed initiatives will soon be boosting London Thames Gateway's already unrivalled access to UK and European markets.
In addition to the key schemes outlined below, Gateway to London is working closely with strategic partners to lobby for further transport improvements, including transit schemes. For more information on the transport initiatives supported by Gateway to London visit www.thames-gateway.org.uk/projects.
For detailed information on all London Thames Gateway transport schemes visit www.tfl.gov.uk.
Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
The Docklands Light Railway is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transport, and one of Britain's great transport success stories, now carrying over 60 million passengers a year. One of the first light rail systems in Britain, the DLR has expanded faster than any UK railway, and provides a vital link for businesses and commuters. The railway will play a crucial role in the success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Preparations are already well under way to expand the DLR network and transport tens of thousands of passengers to and from several competition venues, including the Olympic Park.
The London City Airport extension is now open and providing a direct rail connection to the City and Canary Wharf, and there are several extensions and enhancements already underway, including routes to Woolwich Arsenal and Stratford International, which will open in 2009 and 2010 respectively. A further extension to Barking Reach and Dagenham Dock could be in operation by 2017.
www.tfl.gov.uk/dlr
High Speed 1
High Speed 1 is Britain's first major new railway for over a century and will provide a new transport hub in London Thames Gateway at Stratford. The new High Speed 1 service from St. Pancras International is now open and has cut 20 minutes from journey times to the Continent, bringing customers and employees closer to London Thames Gateway businesses.
Commuter services to the new Stratford International Station will start in 2010, linking the wider Thames Gateway to central London. The new line will also serve the Olympic park via the ‘Javelin', taking 2012 Olympic visitors to St Pancras from Stratford in just 7 minutes.
www.highspeed1.com
Crossrail
Crossrail is London's key infrastructure project, connecting east and west London, making travelling in the area quicker and easier and reducing crowding on London's central transport network. The proposed route goes from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west right across the capital into Essex and Kent in the east. The line travels underground through the city centre between Paddington and east London, and will operate with main line size trains, carrying more than 1500 passengers each. The first trains are due to run in 2017.
Gordon Brown officially approved the project on 5 October 2007, and after the bill completed its report stage in the House of Commons on 13 Dec, it was introduced to the House of Lords. The project requires the passing of a bill in parliament to provide permissions to build the line; this is expected to happen in late 2008. A timetable of planned stages up until the 2017 opening has now been released and includes; a detailed design to be drawn up by Mid 2008, required land and property acquisition to go through in late 2008 and main works on the line to commence in 2010.
www.crossrail.co.uk
Thames Gateway Bridge
The proposed Thames Gateway Bridge, linking Beckton in the north of London Thames Gateway with Thamesmead in the south, could cut the time required for local journeys across the river by up to half an hour. The six lane link, with dedicated public transport, pedestrian and cycle lanes, would improve access to markets and labour, boosting business opportunities and opening up development sites.
In July 2007 the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Secretary of State for Transport decided to defer their decisions on the bridge until further evidence is considered at a reopened public inquiry. Dates for this are still to be announced, and procurement is on hold until the outcome of the reopened inquiry is known.
Gateway to London continues to support this vital project.
www.tfl.gov.uk/thames gateway bridge
