For new overground service to Docklands from December 2012
Construction work is now underway at Clapham Junction to prepare the station for a new cross-London rail service.
The work, which is funded by TfL and being delivered by Network Rail, will create a new section on the London Overground network between Clapham Junction and Surrey Quays in the Docklands.
Fast, frequent services of four trains an hour are expected to begin from December 2012, stopping en route at Wandsworth Road, Clapham High Street, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye and Queens Road Peckham.
The trains will continue direct as far north as Dalston Junction in Hackney. Passengers boarding at Clapham Junction will reach Surrey Quays Station in around 20 minutes, and onto Dalston Junction in a further 20 minutes.
The milestone comes after a nine year council campaign calling for a new direct route from south-west to north London which avoids the heavy congestion in Zone One.
The new route will mark the completion of the London Overground network – a new orbital rail service encircling the centre of the city.
Wandsworth Council’s transport spokesman Cllr Russell King said:
“It’s another step forward for our Wandsworth Travel Choices campaign which is focused on providing local people with new, faster and more convenient transport options.”
The works at Clapham Junction involve converting Platform 2 into two separate platforms to accommodate the existing and new services, renewing sections of track and relocating an equipment cabin.
Work began this week and should be complete in early 2012.
Simon Maple, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “This is great news for passengers. The new route out of Clapham Junction will create new journey options, better connecting businesses and communities in the capital.
“We have put measures in place to keep disruption to a minimum during this work, but passengers should note a slight change to their routine from October when their trains will stop further down platform 2. We thank them in advance for their patience.”
Transport for London will also be carrying out work to improve the Grant Road ticket hall in 2012 to reduce congestion, bring a disused staircase from Platform 2 back into use and provide a new lift from the ticket hall to the platforms.
Howard Smith, Chief Operating Officer at TfL London Rail said: “The London Overground is a true success story. Passenger numbers have increased by a staggering 233 per cent over the last four years and we are delighted to extend the service across south London for the benefit of people living and working close to Clapham Junction. This extension will complete the final link in our orbital rail service around the Capital.”
Cllr King continues: “We will continue to lobby the rail authorities for greater investment in Clapham Junction which still suffers from an unacceptable level of congestion.
“There has been significant progress of late with the reopening of the Brighton Yard entrance but much more upgrade work is required before passengers can pass through without encountering frustrating and uncomfortable overcrowding.”
October 3, 2011