Docklands Light Railway - Phase 2: Capacity Enhancements

Transport, Environment & Regeneration

The main works to extend platforms will typically involve the following sequence of events:

diversions of utilities and highways, as appropriate;
construction of foundations for stairs and lifts (if required);
construction of stairs / lifts to track level (if required);
construction of foundations for extended platforms;
construction of platform extensions;
installation of platform finishes;
installation of platform canopy (if required);
and changes to signalling

A period of testing would then follow to ensure that the completed scheme was operating satisfactorily.

Delta Junction

Works at Delta Junction consist of reducing the height of some existing columns which currently form part of the viaduct structure. The new, lower viaduct structure will then be constructed on these lowered columns. In addition, some new columns will be required to carry the viaduct around the bend towards West India Quay station. An existing column in West India Quay will require foundation works. Part of the existing viaduct will be demolished.

Assessing the environmental impact of the scheme

The impacts of constructing and operating the scheme have been assessed in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation and guidance.

The environmental topics that have been assessed as part of the EIA include:

Planning;
Socio-economics;
Land use and land take;
Dust and air quality;
Noise and vibration;
Townscape and visual;
Traffic and transport;
Ecology;
Water resources;
Contaminated land;
Waste;
Archaeology and cultural heritage;
and Electromagnetic effects

Relevant statutory bodies (for example, the Environment Agency and English Heritage) have been consulted on the proposed method for assessing the impacts of the scheme.

Code of Construction Practice

It is envisaged that most construction impacts will be controlled by adherence to a Code of Construction Practice (CoCP). The draft CoCP prepared for the three-car scheme will be developed through discussions with the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham and other appropriate statutory bodies.

The draft represents a level of mitigation to which the DLRL is committed and this has been taken into account in the EIA. The CoCP sets out the measures that will be undertaken by the Contractor (i.e. the organisation DLRL selects to build the scheme) to ensure site safety and good site practice with regard to the environment during construction works. The CoCP contains relevant statutory codes, standards and legislation applicable to the regulation of construction practice and its effects on health and safety and the environment.

It sets out a variety of good practice procedures to control noise, dust, site discharges and works traffic and measures to protect groundwater and aquifers during works.