London's Crossrail 2 rail link should be made a priority, according to an independent body advising the government on major infrastructure projects.
Funding for the project should be made available immediately to allow Crossrail 2 to open in 2033.
The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), chaired by Lord Andrew Adonis, recommended that London pay at least half of the £33bn bill for the new north-to-south rail link.
While Crossrail 2's final route is yet to be confirmed, the latest proposal has the network running from Broxbourne in Hertfordshire to Shepperton, Chessington and Epsom in Surrey.
Its central London route would take it through Dalston, Angel, Euston, Tottenham Court Road, Chelsea and Clapham Junction. The tunnelled section would run from Tottenham Hale in the north to Wimbledon in the south, with 30 trains an hour running in each direction on the main route.
The development of Crossrail 2 would further bolster London's transport network after the construction of the £14.8bn Crossrail network, which runs east-to-west. Portions of the first Crossrail project will open from next year.
The NIC's report (PDF) makes eight main recommendations for Crossrail 2:
- Crossrail 2 should be an infrastructure priority to ensure its completion by 2033
- It should be at "the heart" of the new London Plan, which includes proposals to add further river crossings in east London and extend the Bakerloo line
- Funds should be released by TfL and the DfT and a business case for Crossrail 2 made available by 2017
- With such high costs, TfL and the DfT should take "every opportunity" to improve Crossrail 2's affordability. This may include delaying the north-werstern branch to New Southgate, which could remove around £4bn from the cost of the initial scheme in the 2020s
- London contribute half the cost of Crossrail 2. The overall cost should strike a "fair balance" between London taxpayers, businesses and central government
- A clear plan should be made for the development of 200,000 new homes along the route
- Private sector involvement in developing and funding stations and surrounding areas should be maximised
- A hybrid bill should be submitted by 2019 with an aim to pass it before the end of this parliament. Completion of Crossrail 2 in 2033 would allow the project to open in time for the arrival of HS2 phase 2 at Euston.
Supporters of the project argue that the construction of Crossrail 2 is essential to stop London from grinding to a halt. The capital's population will pass 10 million people by 2030, putting huge strain on already over-burdened transport hubs such as Victoria, Waterloo and Clapham Junction.
The report claims Crossrail 2 will reinforce major Network Rail and Underground lines, creating new interchanges and connections to move passengers away from overcrowded routes.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
