In 2008, the incoming Mayor of London scrapped plans for a DLR extension to Dagenham Dock. In 2014, the outgoing Mayor of London announced plans for a London Overground extension, almost to Dagenham Dock.
In more detail, the London Overground could, potentially, get an extension from Barking along the existing Tilbury line and then via a new section of railway, to be built as a raised viaduct, heading south after the railway passes underneath Renwick Road Bridge.
The route would end at Barking Riverside.
The new terminus neatly avoiding the close call of terminating at the scrapped Dagenham Dock station.
In hindsight, extending the Overground does offer a lot more capacity than the original plans for the DLR extension, which is one small benefit of the delay. The delay though could see construction on the Overground start in 2017, which is roughly when the DLR extension was due to open.
As this is just the consultation phase — albeit one that implies that the route will go ahead — then there will be some public exhibitions.
- Barking Library Learning Centre, 2 Town Square, Barking, IG11 7NB
Saturday 20 September, 1300-1700 - Thames View Library, Bastable Avenue, Barking, IG11 0LG
Tuesday 23 September, 1430-1900 - The Rivergate Centre Barking Riverside, Minter Rd, Barking, IG11 0FJ
Monday 6 October, 1500-2000
Or you can fill in the online survey here.
If approved, then TfL plans to apply for the necessary permits by the end of next year, and the line could open in 2019, by which time, the rest of the Overground that it connects to should also be electrified.
Tantalizingly, the design of the plans allows for the possibility of a further extension south at some point in the future — which could be the oft-rumoured connection to the heart of transport wilderness that is the Thamesmead estate.
Oh, and if you’re looking at the Overground map, take a look at Western side for a new station there as well.
They didn’t include Surrey Canal Road though
The provision of any station at Surrey Canal Road is dependent on a contribution from the developer involved in the regeneration of the area. See here: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/surrey_canal_road_railway_statio the response to a freedom of information request.
Whatever it’s merits, Overground won’t offer as much capacity as DLR – a 15min interval service of ~80m long trains vs an 8-10min interval of 90m DLR trains.
How do you know at this stage what the Overground service will be like in 2019?
Brilliant plan. Would be better if there was a station at Renwick road by Bairstable Avenue.
I know hat is thinking too far ahead but thought its a easy win. Benefits:
New housing developments in that area;
No extention required as this is a rail route already;
trains can regulate when reaching Barking station as it is busy most times,
And sure there are many more benefits.