As economic pressures ease, the future of Crossrail 2 remains in focus.
- The project, halted due to financial strains post-Covid, faces calls for revival.
- Legal safeguards were previously set to shield the route from disruptive developments.
- Discussions continue between Transport for London and the Department for Transport without action.
- Advocates stress the potential economic and employment benefits of the project.
In the wake of the Covid pandemic, planning for the proposed rail line stretching from Hertfordshire to Surrey was halted, primarily due to the financial repercussions that beset Transport for London (TfL). However, recent developments emphasize the importance of safeguarding the Crossrail 2 route, a cause passionately championed by London Assembly member Elly Baker, who asserts that its completion could confer extensive benefits across the UK.
The safeguarding measure initiated in 2015 aims to prevent new developments from making the construction of Crossrail 2 unfeasible. This legal protection was still under discussion in June, with TfL and the Department for Transport (DfT) deliberating over the latest updates to the route. Despite these discussions, no decisive action has been implemented, and Crossrail 2 does not rank among TfL’s current top priorities.
Assembly member Elly Baker’s recent comments underscore a sense of urgency. Drawing parallels with the success of the Elizabeth Line, Baker highlights the economic and societal advantages that Crossrail 2 could potentially bestow upon Londoners and the UK at large. “Crossrail 2 could support our city even more. We cannot let it fall off the agenda,” she asserts, advocating for the preservation of the corridor designated for this infrastructure.
Baker’s frustration stems from the absence of capital investment by previous administrations, hindering the progress of Crossrail 2. She articulates a vision where the rail project serves as a catalyst for economic growth, bolsters housing availability, and stimulates high-skill job creation in rail manufacturing, not just in London but throughout the country.
Crossrail 2’s mothballing paralleled the suspension of other significant TfL initiatives, including extensions of the Bakerloo line and Docklands Light Railway. While teams were downsized, efforts continue sporadically on feasibility studies. There remains a concerted push for reimbursing affected property owners once construction goes ahead.
Crossrail 2’s future hinges on strategic commitment to infrastructure investment.
