Transport for LondonIdentifying Route Options
Four route options were considered. These are shown below:
Four route options were considered
Route Option Appraisal
The Government's Transport White Paper 'A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone' (1998) promotes the provision of more light rail systems to provide more transport choice to people.
It sets out five over-arching objectives for transport:
- To protect and enhance the built and natural environment;
- To reduce the loss of life, injures and damage to property resulting from transport accidents and crime
- To contribute to an efficient economy, and to support sustainable economic growth in appropriate locations
- To promote accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car; and
- To promote the integration of all forms of transport and land use planning, leading to a better, more efficient transport system
A comprehensive appraisal was undertaken of the four options, taking into account these objectives and engineering, environmental, social, economic, and operational factors. This appraisal also considered the results of the public consultation exercise and wider views of stakeholders.
The main conclusions of the 'Options Appraisal' undertaken were that option 1:
+ Had a positive impact on Woolwich town centre (as did the other options).
+ Had the highest degree of integration with the town centre and Woolwich Arsenal as well as presenting the greatest opportunity for a development to be constructed over the DLR station, which would assist with the regeneration of the town centre.
- Would involve a number of town centre environmental impacts, which the other options would not, particularly the demolition of buildings. The environmental differences between the options were relatively limited however. Appropriate measures to mitigate these effects as far practicable were taken in refining option 1 further.
- Was better than the other options in improving public transport accessibility and interchange.
- Was better than the other options in supporting urban regeneration.
Option 4 emerged as the option likely to have the least environmental effects. However, the appraisal showed Option 4 to perform poorly in terms of the core objectives of the scheme, namely to improve public transport accessibility and interchange and to act as a catalyst for urban regeneration. Options 2 and 3 also performed poorly in these respects.
A Preferred Option
Following the initial option appraisal process, Option 1 was identified as the 'preferred route'. This was endorsed by the DLR Ltd Board in November 2001 and by Greenwich Council Cabinet Committee in January 2002.
The 2.5 km extension from King George V station at North Woolwich will be via two parallel bored tunnels under the Thames, to a new partly sub-surface station adjacent to the existing Woolwich Arsenal Network Rail Station.
The twin track extension starts east of King George V station and runs in concrete trough along the dockside. The rail level becomes progressively deeper, entering a tunnel to the north of Storey Primary School.
From the initial section of the tunnel, the tracks deepen and enter two parallel bored tunnels (one for each track) which pass deep beneath the existing residential areas in North Woolwich and the new developments at Gallions Reach.
The tunnel then passes under the Thames Riverbed, turning south to pass underneath the Royal Arsenal areas currently being developed for residential and commercial use.
The route then runs under residential areas in Woolwich, (the corner of Plumbstead Road and Maxey Road and the area between Maxey Road and Burrage Road) - before emerging in section under Parry Place.
At this point the route becomes aligned with the existing Network Rail line, continuing through retained cutting and covered way terminating at a new terminus under Greens End to the north of and adjacent to the existing Woolwich Arsenal Network Rail Station.
The new DLR station has been built partly under Woolwich New Road with station entrances at Greens End and Woolwich New Road giving access to the town centre and the Royal Arsenal.
The existing Woolwich Arsenal station has been modified to fully integrate with the DLR station with step free access between the stations and new lifts for access to street level for national rail passengers.
