Plans for a light railway link between London City Airport and the Square Mile have been given the green light by DTLR Secretary Stephen Byers.
Docklands Light Railway was today granted powers and planning permission under the Transport & Works Act to build a new 2.7-mile (4.4km) line to connect Canning Town and North Woolwich, via City Airport, following an inspector’s inquiry.
Byers said: “The need to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to serve London City Airport and the communities surrounding it has been established beyond doubt.”
“This DLR extension will provide a catalyst for much-needed regeneration of the area to the south of the Royal Docks and will significantly improve access for the communities of Silvertown and North Woolwich to the centre of London.
“It will also provide a direct rail connection from London City Airport to the City and Canary Wharf.”
The extension will branch off the existing railway at Canning Town and run to four new stations – West Silvertown, Pontoon Dock, London City Airport and King George V – before continuing to North Woolwich.
A fifth station, at Thames Wharf, will be added to the line if it is needed.
EGi News 19/03/02
