Overview

• Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given cautious government backing for the £1.7 billion project, highlighting its potential to drive housing and economic growth.
• The consultation outlines two new stations at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, detailing a viaduct crossing of the Twin Tumps and Thamesmere reserve followed by a tunnel under the Thames.
• TfL estimates the extension could unlock up to 30,000 new homes and create 10,000 jobs in southeast London.
• Projected journey times would fall to about 25 minutes to Stratford, 30 minutes to London Bridge and around 35 minutes to Tottenham Court Road via an Elizabeth line interchange.
• Subject to funding approval, construction could begin in the late 2020s with the line opening in the early 2030s after the business case is finalised by autumn 2025.