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.
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, which opened in 2007, now provides a direct rail connection to the City and Canary Wharf, and there are several extensions and enhancements already underway, with a route to Woolwich Arsenal officially opened by the Mayor Boris Johnson on 12 January 2009. The extension was completed seven weeks ahead of schedule linking King George V station on the north of the river with a brand new station at Woolwich Arsenal in the South. A further extension to Barking Riverside and Dagenham Dock could be in operation by 2017; however the TWA order for the Dagenham Dock extension is on hold until funding for the project has been secured. DLR is currently in negotiations with the Mayor's office and Government to ensure this can be delivered.
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 opened in November 2007 and has cut 20 minutes from journey times to the Continent, bringing customers and employees closer to London Thames Gateway businesses.
Once operational, 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 received Royal Assent to provide permissions to build the line on 22 July 2008. A timetable of planned stages up until the 2017 opening has now been released and with a number of key milestones for the project including enabling works starting at the Tottenham Court Road site with several properties moving under Crossrail control. With main works on the line to commence in 2010, a decision for the appointment of a Programme Partner and Project Delivery Partner is due to be made in the coming weeks.
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.
Following an assessment into TfL's budget for transport schemes in London in November 2008 however, the Mayor decided to no longer pursue the Thames Gateway Bridge project. Working with the boroughs, the London Development Agency, the Greater London Authority and other partners, TfL will be carrying out a wider study to assess the transport and land use needs of the Thames Gateway. A survey carried out in July 2008 showed significant local support at 80 per cent for the bridge, with only two per cent against.
Gateway to London continues to support this vital project.
www.tfl.gov.uk/thames gateway bridge
East London Transit
The East London Transit will provide a fast and frequent bus service connecting Ilford to Dagenham Dock via Barking Town Centre and Gallions Reach.
Phase 1 (Ilford to Dagenham Dock via Barking Town Centre) will be operational from early 2010. Work on the project started in January 2009 and once complete will improve access across the region to employment and leisure opportunities, retail and services for businesses and local communities. Phase 2 will provide a connection to Gallions Reach and is expected to be operational by 2012.
Greenwich Waterfront Transit
The Greenwich Waterfront Transit is due to be operational by late 2011 and will play a key role in providing connections for the 2012 Olympics. It will also secure better access to Woolwich town centre and several major development schemes on the south of the river including the Greenwich Peninsula project.
