The Docklands Light Railway extension to Thamesmead has been confirmed in today’s Autumn Budget.

Earlier this month Transport for London (TfL) started market engagement for the planned £1.62bn extension of the DLR.

The 3km line will tie into the existing DLR East Route with the project including a new station at the centre of the Beckton Riverside development, a cross river tunnel, twin bore tunnel of around 1.5 km, a new station at Thamesmead and a new turnback siding to the west of the extension to facilitate a future uplift in services on the Thamesmead branch and East Route.

Docklands Light Railway, a 100% owned subsidiary of TfL, is in the process of defining the scope of requirements for the goods, services and construction works under the proposed programme.

In today’s Autumn Budget the government welcomed confirmation of the DLR extension to Thamesmead, funded through Transport for London (TfL) and Greater London Authority (GLA) borrowing.

The majority of the costs will be met by TFL and GLA, with the government also contributing over the long term. The government will continue to work with London to finalise funding details and will continue to work with the GLA to look at options for innovative financing to support the delivery of infrastructure projects in the capital.

Alistair Geddes, sector director, rail at Costain, said: “Upgrading the UK’s rail infrastructure helps to create a sustainable future that drives economic growth.

“Projects such as the Elizabeth Line have been transformational for communities in London and the surrounding areas. The industry will welcome the chancellor’s commitment to UK rail infrastructure improvements across the UK, including the extension of the Docklands Light Railway, which will boost prosperity, support employment prospects and encourage investment in skills and education.

 “For any large or complex infrastructure project, collaboration is key to success. Enduring relationships can be formed through alliances to build momentum and ensure schemes are delivered safely, on time and on budget.”

Mott MacDonald managing director for transport in UK and Europe, Ken Norbury, said: “The DLR extension to Thamesmead investment will unlock thousands of homes and jobs and create public transport connectivity for one of London’s most underserved areas. We’ve been part of the DLR story since its inception and are already supporting this extension through land referencing for the Transport and Works Act Order and extensive environmental surveys.”

The DLR news comes after the government confirmed its commitment to Heathrow Airport's third runway expansion plans. 

Norbury added: “The government’s decision to select Heathrow’s privately financed third runway plan also demonstrates how private investment can deliver transformative national infrastructure. Like the DLR investment, the scheme will provide a gateway to growth; creating thousands of jobs and supply chain opportunities for local communities, while unlocking trade, tourism and investment that strengthens the UK economy. We are proud of our decades-long partnership with Heathrow and look forward to supporting its expansion.

“In a similar way, Northern Powerhouse Rail is essential to unlocking the North’s potential, connecting city regions, reducing journey times and creating the capacity needed for growth. We welcome the government’s recognition of how critical improved connectivity is and look forward to hearing more in the coming months on how this project will be taken forward.”