London's iconic Tube map could be set for its most significant transformation in decades, as Transport for London (TfL) reveals ambitious expansion plans for the city's underground network.
Bakerloo Line Extension: South London's New Connection
Transport for London has officially unveiled proposals to extend the Bakerloo line further into South London. If the transport authority can secure necessary funding, construction work would likely commence in the 2030s, with the new stretch of railway expected to become operational by 2040.
The proposed extension would run southeast from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham, potentially adding three completely new stops along this route. There has also been discussion about potential further expansion beyond Lewisham at a later stage.
Potential New Station Locations Revealed
TfL has dropped strong hints about possible locations for new Underground stations, with Burgess Park and Old Kent Road emerging as frontrunners. Currently, the closest Tube stations to Burgess Park are Kennington and Oval on the Northern line, making this a significant infrastructure improvement for the area.
Documents released in February reveal an official map that suggests new Tube stops at both Burgess Park and Old Kent Road. The plan also introduces new Tube services at existing 'interchange stations' including New Cross Gate and Lewisham.
There are specific plans for an Old Kent Road station positioned between the proposed Burgess Park stop and New Cross Gate. The latter already functions as both an Overground and National Rail station, while Lewisham serves as a DLR stop with nationwide rail services available.
Metropolitan Line Expansion Cancelled
While South London celebrates potential new connections, ambitions to extend the Metropolitan line into Hertfordshire have been completely dashed. Plans for two new Underground stations beyond London's borders have now been officially scrapped.
The Croxley Rail Link project had envisioned creating two new Tube stations at the northwest end of the Metropolitan line. In the original plan, Tube trains would have been rerouted from Watford station to Cassiobridge, the first of the two proposed stops.
Despite an initial completion date set for 2020, the project was abruptly halted in 2017. The second new station, Watford Vicarage Road, would have followed Cassiobridge, with trains then continuing to Watford High Street and Watford Junction, completely bypassing Watford station. This development also encountered the same setback in 2017.
Hertfordshire County Council is now exploring 'alternative uses' for the disused railway track between Watford and Croxley, following the definitive cancellation of the Metropolitan line Extension project.
