The proposed major infrastructure project, Crossrail 2, moved a step forward on 24 March 2015 as the UK government published updated plans to protect land for its route from conflicting development.
Crossrail 2 is a high frequency, high capacity rail line that would run between south west and north east London. No decision has yet been taken on its construction, and the Department for Transport is working with Transport for London (TfL) and Network Rail on a business case, after the Chancellor made £2 million (EUR 2.7 million) available to support this work.
Part of the line between Chelsea and Hackney has been safeguarded for the proposed project since 1991. However, TfL changed the route of the line after assessing the capital’s future transport needs, prompting the need to update the safeguarded areas.
”Supporting transport infrastructure in London is a vital part of our long term economic plan. Crossrail 2 has the potential to improve connectivity, increase capacity and generate tens of thousands of jobs,” Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said.
The updated safeguarded route published on 24 March, following a 10-week consultation, extends from Wimbledon in the south-west to Tottenham Hale and New Southgate in the north-east. It will replace the previous directions and will ensure new development does not affect the ability to build and operate Crossrail 2 in the future. Under the new Crossrail 2 safeguarding directions, relevant planning applications in safeguarded areas will be referred to TfL for advice. If development interferes with Crossrail 2, either a compromise will be reached or the development will not be allowed.
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