DLR extension to Forest Hill?

[MidnightFlyer]

Consultations are now underway in the affected areas as TfL draw up proposals to extend the DLR from Lewisham to Ladywell, Medusa, Catford and Forest Hill. Reactions have been positive in Ladywell, though people in Forest Hill feel that it would be better being built on the other side of Forest Hill to serve Bellingham too. This was included in Boris Johnson's 'London Plan' last year. Also in the Plan was the extension through Gallions Reach to Dagenham Dock, though this is still unfunded. In addition, studies are being made into the following extensions:
Stratford Intl-Leytonstone-Walthamstow Ctl;
Lewisham-Hither Green-Hayes-Beckenham-Catford.

 

[317 forever]

I'd quite like to see the Docklands Light Railway extended from Lewisham to Hayes via Catford Bridge, replacing the Southeastern shuttle that remains entirely in Greater London but does not run on the main line. I realise that Southeastern trains from the coast via Orpington are sometimes rerouted via Catford Bridge when there are engineering works in the Grove Park area.

Talking of the DLR extensions, I look forward to the service to Stratford International opening. I gather this is due to happen in July.

 

[Ivo]

It was also due to open in Autumn last year. That didn't happen.

I believe Network Rail suggested the Bakerloo should assume the Hayes branch? It is far from a shuttle service, that is for sure!

 

[SWTDesiro]

If the DLR went into Central London that would top it all. Because it's a bit of a hassle having to go all the way to Tower Gateway or Bank plus it could provide more stops in the Westminster Area.

 

[LE Greys]

If the DLR went into Central London that would top it all. Because it's a bit of a hassle having to go all the way to Tower Gateway or Bank plus it could provide more stops in the Westminster Area.

I've often wondered how much tunnelling would be required to make the DLR connect to the Waterloo & City. If that could happen, it might mean an extra station at Blackfriars and a link from the Docklands to Waterloo for commuters. The problem would be capacity, since the W&C can get very busy during the peaks. Still, it might be possible to run at an increased frequency, and it would certainly save people a lot of walking at Bank.

 

[shinkansen1966]

On the subject of the DLR, is there an actual opening date for the extention to Stratford International ?

I, for one, feel this has been going on far too seriously long enough by half.

 

[Crispy75]

No official word, but logic says there's no point in running trains until the shopping center opens on 13th September.

As for extending past Lewisham, that's no trivial matter. The station is sandwiched between the mainline viaducts and the A20. Is the intention to get up onto the viaduct and take over the Lewisham-Hayes line? That would be a steep gradient. Or is the intention to lower the tracks into tunnel for an entirely new route? Either way, not simple.

 

[Class172]

I've often wondered how much tunnelling would be required to make the DLR connect to the Waterloo & City. If that could happen, it might mean an extra station at Blackfriars and a link from the Docklands to Waterloo for commuters. The problem would be capacity, since the W&C can get very busy during the peaks. Still, it might be possible to run at an increased frequency, and it would certainly save people a lot of walking at Bank.

There have been proposals on many occasions that the DLR could be extended to Charing Cross, then possibly Green Park by using the old Jubilee line tunnels between Charing Cross-Green Park. The plans never came to anything significant though.

 

[TheManWho]

On the subject of the DLR, is there an actual opening date for the extention to Stratford International ?

I, for one, feel this has been going on far too seriously long enough by half.

I understand that shaddow service will operate on the new extension (where trains run to schedule but without passengers) on the 8th August, which may be put back to 15th August at the latest depending on any final snagging points.

The shaddow running will probably operate for around 2 weeks, allowing train operators to be route learned and to sort out any signalling niggles before full opening occurs

 

[LE Greys]

There have been proposals on many occasions that the DLR could be extended to Charing Cross, then possibly Green Park by using the old Jubilee line tunnels between Charing Cross-Green Park. The plans never came to anything significant though.

I can understand that if they extended the line from Tower Gateway, using the original Fleet Line route to Cannon Street, Ludgate Circus, Aldwych and Charing Cross. The Bank branch would have problems negotiating the Waterloo and City without substantial modification.

 

[Batman]

I thought the Chelsea and Hackney Line (or the King's line, the cross city line, the Boris line, the 20 years too late for the olympics line) or whatever it's called nowerdays would be the next BIG rail project in London.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

The 'Chelney' Line...

Would be good to see, I just wouldn't hold my breath!

 

[317 forever]

I can understand that if they extended the line from Tower Gateway, using the original Fleet Line route to Cannon Street, Ludgate Circus, Aldwych and Charing Cross. The Bank branch would have problems negotiating the Waterloo and City without substantial modification.

I'd like to see the DLR extended from Bank, either to Waterloo in place of the Waterloo & City Line, or to Charing Cross via a part new tunnel, linking up with the former Jubilee Line platforms. I gather a tunnel was built about 3/4 of a mile beyond Charing Cross on this now-closed section but then abandoned.

 

[Class172]

Yes, the tunnel does continue for a short section after Charing Cross.

 

[Fred26]

...In addition, studies are being made into the following extensions:

Stratford Intl-Leytonstone-Walthamstow Ctl

Is there a link with any more details for this route?

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Is there a link with any more details for this route?

Only saw it in an article in Railway Herald, sorry. A quick Google search or email to TfL may give you some more details.

 

[ushawk]

No official word, but logic says there's no point in running trains until the shopping center opens on 13th September.

Maybe to serve Stratford Intl so then the replacement buses wont be needed anymore ???

 

[Fred26]

I've found this from 2009...

and this from 2011.

Very interesting.