Chancellor Backs Study Into Crossrail 2 Through Wimbledon

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George Osborne funds £2m feasibility study

The Crossrail 2 plan, which would provide another link into central London from Wimbledon, has moved a step closer.

Chancellor George Osborne has announced £2m will be spent on a feasibility study into the scheme.

The proposed route is for a ling 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).

Mr Osborne made the announcement about making funds available for a study into the scheme as part of long-term funding for the capital's transport infrastructure.

His accouncement covered Transport for London capital funding from 2015-2021. It begins with an investment grant of £925m in 2015/16 rising to £1,007m in 2020/21, alongside annual borrowing limits of £600m+ to finance capital investment into transport infrastructure.

This funding package will enable the continuation of Tube upgrades, investment into roads and cycling as well as improvements to bus, DLR, London Overground and Tramlink networks.

Richard Tracey, London Assembly member for Merton and Wandsworth, said: "This good news for London is exactly what we have been fighting for, especially transport and preparing the way for Crossrail 2."

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June 28, 2013