Public Transport Improvements

Background to East London Line Extension

London Underground's East London Line is currently closed for rebuilding and extension.  It used to operate from Shoreditch to New Cross and New Cross Gate.

The East London Line extensions will be the first significant new rail project for the new millennium, and a major development of London's network. We are an active member of the East London Line Group of local authorities, businesses, regeneration agencies and other interested parties, seeking the completion of this project.  The Group has been a major force in pushing this project forward, culminating with the announcements on 20 July 2004 that Phase 1 of the extensions would go ahead, and on 12 February 2009  that Phase 2 to Clapham Junction would be funded, effectively placing Clapham Junction on the tube network.

Phase 1

The first phase of the extensions to the East London Line will be northwards from Whitechapel to Dalston (Dalston Lane, E8), and southwards from New Cross Gate to West Croydon and Crystal Palace.  New stations are proposed at Shoreditch High Street, Hoxton (Cremer Street, E2), and Haggerston (Lee Street, E8).  

Phase 2

The second phase will extend the network from Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction.  At the northern end, services will be extended north-westwards from Dalston to Highbury and Islington, providing new links with the national rail network.  Phase 2 will allow orbital journeys to be made around London to avoid central London by changing onto the North London Line at Highbury and Islington, and onto the West London Line at Clapham Junction which in turn interchanges with the North London Line at Willesden Junction.  In the future an "Orbirail" service might provide a circular service on this route, avoiding the need for interchange. 

Current plans are to complete phase 1 in 2010, and Phase 2 by 2012.

You can find out more about the East London Line Extensions at the Transport for London website.