TfL open to extending DLR as far as Abbey Wood in the future

By Kiro Evans, local democracy reporter

TfL have admitted they are open to extending the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) as far as Abbey Wood station in the future.

The change would represent a huge boost to residents and would provide them a direct connection to the Elizabeth line.

The move would also give locals at Abbey Wood access to National Rail services to Kent.

TfL were already planning to extend the DLR from Beckton to Thamesmead but the move has faced multiple delays due to the pandemic and a reported lack of funds.

Local councillors called onTfL to extend the DLR at a recent Regeneration, Transport and Culture scrutiny panel meeting.

TfL have told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the option is still on the table.

A spokesperson said: “We are only currently investigating extending the DLR to Thamesmead but the route would be designed so not to preclude any future onward extension.  Any extension would be subject to its own business case at a later date.”

Matthew Yates, TfL’s head of projects, consents and urban design in city planning, added: “Extending the DLR to support the development of between 20,000 to 30,000 new homes in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead is currently being investigated.

“This design work is well underway and funding models are under consideration, although it is clear that third party developer funding and certainty over Government funding support for TfL will also be essential.”

A motion to extend the route to Abbey Road was put forward by Woolwich Common councillor David Gardner and Abbey Wood councillor Ann Marie Cousins at a council meeting last week.

Cllr Gardner said: “It would make a huge difference. The DLR is not the fastest form of transport, but if it carried on to Abbey Wood, it would open up the Royal Docks to people in Abbey Wood and people in Thamesmead would get much faster access all the way along the Elizabeth line and North Kent line.”

A Thamesmead extension would run from the existing Beckton branch and would serve local sites like the new Thamesmead Waterfront scheme and the planned development at Beckton Riverside.

This new development would follow other announcements made by TfL in recent weeks.

This includes two new stations being added to the Northern line and the reopening of the Night Tube for two underground lines.