Ambitious Crossrail 2 Scheme Could Run Through Wimbledon

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Business leaders back £12 billion plans

Business leaders are backing ambitious plans for the Crossrail 2 service which would provide another link into central London from Wimbledon.

The £12 billion scheme being proposed by the London First business group would run a line through Victoria, Tottenham Court Road, Euston and Kings Cross, before heading out to Alexandra Palace or Cheshunt.

The new line, which wouldn't open until the early 2030s, is aimed at relieving congestion on the Victoria, Northern and Picadilly lines.

It would give a proposed journey time from Wimbledon to Tottenham Court Road of just 14 minutes.

The southern end of the line would have branches starting in Epsom, Chessington South, Hampton Court, Shepperton and Twickenham. All would run through Wimbledon and towards the northern end of the line via a new underground tunnel. See map (right).

Former Transport Secretary Lord Adonis, who chaired the task force which prepared the proposals, said: "We urge the Mayor and central government to take forward preparations for Crossrail 2, including a credible funding plan embracing the public and private sectors, with a view to construction in the 2020s."

Transport Minister and Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond (left) said: "As London grows we'll need continued investment in its transport network to accommodate this additional demand, and support continued economic growth.

"Crossrail 2 is certainly one of the options for doing this. I welcome the work done by TfL and the publication of London First's report and will now consider the points it raises."

Richard Tracey, London AM for Merton and Wandsworth, added: £Crossrail will be a huge boon for London when it opens in 2018 and it is sensible that we switch our attention to building the much-needed Crossrail 2. I am delighted to note that London First are proposing a route that would include Clapham Junction, Wimbledon and Tooting Broadway.

"A proposed time of 14 minutes to travel from Wimbledon to Tottenham Court Road would revolutionise travel in London for my constituents and by connecting to the Northern Line at Tooting Broadway pressure would be relieved on the Northern Line. Finally, by connecting to Crossrail at Tottenham Court Road, Crossrail 2 would unlock the benefits of Crossrail to my constituents and a great many residents of South West London."

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August 9, 2013