Question No: 2024/1617
Question (Thomas Turrell AM) 23rd May 2024:
What work has TfL done on the extension of the Elizabeth line to Ebbsfleet via Erith?
Answer (Sadiq Khan) 29 May 2024:
Recognising the Thames Gateway regeneration priorities, an extension from Abbey Wood to Gravesend and Hoo Junction, including a station at Erith, was safeguarded as part of the Crossrail Act 2008.
Local authorities in London and north Kent conducted a Government funded study to explore options to improve transport connectivity between Abbey Wood and Ebbsfleet/Gravesend to support new housing and employment growth. Transport for London (TfL) provided technical support to the study, with options consulted on including potential future extensions of Elizabeth line services from Abbey Wood to Northfleet/Ebbsfleet and Gravesend or from Abbey Wood to Dartford. In 2021, the C2E Partnership submitted the consultation information to Government as part of their Strategic Outline Business Case submission.
There are currently no plans by TfL to extend the railway beyond Abbey Wood. Should sufficient growth in north Bexley and north Kent be promoted by Government and sufficient funding be made available, an extension to Ebbsfleet could deliver benefits by supporting this growth. However, many technical, operational and financial challenges would need to be resolved, including the need to demonstrate that such an extension would not impact on the operability of the Elizabeth line.
