Crossrail 2 moves step closer as consultation results reveal huge support

Photograph: Crossrail 1 construction work in progress

There is overwhelming public support for plans for Crossrail 2 – the giant new rail line that would whizz through Hackney – consultation results released today suggest.

Transport for London said of 13,767 replies received in response to the consultation, 96 per cent of public respondents “strongly support or support the principle of Crossrail 2”.

Just two per cent oppose or strongly oppose the principle.

Crossrail 2, which would cost around £12 billion to build, could involve tunnelling underneath Hackney to link Dalston with Wimbledon and Alexandra Palace – the so-called metro option.

Crossrail 2 metro route. Image: Transport for London

Another option on the table is for a regional rail corridor that could extend as far as Hertfordshire in the north and Surrey in the south.

Crossrail 2 regional route. Image: Transport for London

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.