Transport secretary Grant Shapps has issued directions to safeguard the route of the Bakerloo line extension in a major milestone in the history of the project.
The move, announced on Monday, will reassure those who feared the extension could be sacrificed in favour of the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda in the north of England.
The safeguarding directions protect the land required for underground tunnels and new stations at Old Kent Road, New Cross Gate and Lewisham, as well as key operational infrastructure and construction sites.
Deputy mayor for transport Heidi Alexander, and Southwark Council leader Kieron Williams, shared a joint statement this week in response to the news: “Today is a major milestone for the Bakerloo line extension.
“The safeguarding directions will prevent premature development on sites required for the project and enable us to deliver this vital project when the time is right.
“Extending the Bakerloo line and upgrading the existing line will connect a historically underserved part of London to the Tube network, while unlocking thousands of new homes that London desperately needs and supporting new jobs.”
“We will continue to work with the government and others on options for funding so this scheme can be delivered and its many benefits realised.”