Full steam ahead for consultation on Crossrail 2 Hackney project

Crossrail 1 construction work in progress

The giant Crossrail 2 rail scheme – which would whizz through Hackney – moved a step closer to fruition when a consultation on proposed routes was launched today.

The £12 billion scheme could involve tunnelling underneath Hackney to link Dalston with Wimbledon in the south and Alexandra Palace in the north to create a “metro” route.

Another option on the table is for a regional route that could extend into Hertfordshire and Surrey.

Crossrail 2 regional route. Image: Transport for London

Mayor of London Boris Johnson pledged it would help “revolutionise” travel in the capital, boost jobs and ease congestion on its ageing transport infrastructure.

Crossrail 2, which could be operational by 2030, would follow the completion of Crossrail 1 in 2015.

Disruption in central London caused by Crossrail 1 construction work has sparked criticism from businesses in the West End, and environmental campaigners have complained about extra lorry journeys resulting from the scheme.

A route for Crossrail 2, formerly known as the Chelsea – Hackney Line, has been kept free from any intrusive building development since 1991 and any new buildings along the route have been constructed to allow for a potential new railway line.

Transport for London and Network Rail’s consultation on Crossrail 2 will seek the views of people in London and the southeast of England and will run from 14 May to 2 August 2013.

Transport for London’s Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy CBE said: “It is vital for the UK economy that we get on and finish Crossrail and the upgrade of the Tube.

“It is equally important for us to look beyond that if we are to accommodate a population forecast to grow to 10 million by the early 2030s.

“Given the lead times needed, that means progressing with Crossrail 2 now as an essential element in maintaining London’s status as a world city.”

Crossrail 2 metro route. Image: Transport for London

To take part in the consultation click here