Transport for London says it’s to start drawing up “detailed technical” plans to extend the Bakerloo line from the Elephant and Castle to Lewisham via the Old Kent Road.
Last year the agency held a public consultation on a number of possible routes and has since been assessing the transport benefits and regeneration opportunities offered by each.
It now says the the Lewisham via Old Kent Road route “has the strongest case” as it has the potential to support 25,000 new homes while also improving transport links.
Planners will now draw up more detailed proposals ahead of seeking the Government’s permission for the project and, subject to approval being granted, TfL says construction could start by 2024 with the extension expected to open by 2030.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “The extension of the Bakerloo line will provide a vital new transport link for people living and working in south London.
“It will help to spur the delivery of jobs, homes and regeneration in this part of the capital and provide much-needed new capacity on a key underground line.
“The case for a route to Lewisham via Old Kent Road is strong and TfL will now be working closely with the boroughs to fine tune our plans to the next important stage. We’re now firmly on track to get construction on this major project underway by 2024 and have it up and running by 2030.”
Richard de Cani, TfL’s Managing Director for Planning, added: “No final decisions have been made and next year more detailed work will be carried out before we undertake another public consultation.
“We will also continue to work closely with the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Southwark, Network Rail and other key stakeholders as we develop our plans.”
