Last link in London’s orbital rail gets Government green light

THE last link in the new Overground network orbiting around Central London has been agreed. City Hall and the Government agreed on how to pay for the second phase of the East London Line extension

By Mike Brooke

THE last link in the new Overground network orbiting Central London has been given the green light.

City Hall and the Government have agreed on how to pay for the second phase of the East London Line extension.

The line reopens next year after a massive two-year scheme extending it north from Whitechapel to Dalston and south from Surrey Quays and New Cross down to Croydon to form the eastern wing of the orbital network encircling London. It will link up to the North London Line to Willesden Junction which joins the West London section down to Clapham Junction.

The only missing piece in the railway jigsaw was the section across south London from Surrey Quays to Clapham.

Now Mayor Boris Johnson has signed a deal with Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon to release Whitehall funds for the southern link which can now go ahead.

Completing an orbital rail service in time for the 2012 Olympics was seen as “an unmissable priority” for commuters who will soon be able to skip round the congested City and West End and avoid the overcrowding in rush-hours.