DLR station replacement project approved

Date: 26/7/2011

A station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in London will be replaced with a new building after the green light was given for the work to go ahead.

The Pudding Lane transport hub is located at a point where the Crossrail route - which is currently under construction - comes to the surface, meaning that an alternative station is required.

Once complete, the replacement will stand between the River Lea and City Mill River, slightly south from where it is currently.

The plans were approved by Newham's Strategic Development Committee, but DLR passengers will continue to use the current station until the alternative - which will begin to be built this year - is finished.

Boasting step-free access and the ability to accommodate longer three-car DLR trains, the station is expected to be completed by 2013 and will also feature a large open space that is linked to pedestrian and bus routes.

Howard Smith, London Rail's Chief Operating Officer, said: "The new station will be able to accommodate many more passengers than the existing station, which will support future development as well as the future use of the Olympic stadium."

Work is now underway to redevelop the road layout around London's Blackfriars Station in order to cope with the high passenger numbers expected following the hub's upgrade.

Posted by Mary Treen