Rail study proposes Bakerloo Line extension to run through lower Sydenham

Network Rail’s London and south-east Rail Utilisation Study (a plan for future rail projects) published a few days ago announces an extension of the Bakerloo Line.

The proposed route will take the line  from Elephant & Castle through New Cross Gate, Lewisham, Catford then to Lower Sydenham and along the existing the current mainline route to Hayes. This ends many years of speculation as to a proposed route  – many of which would have not resulted a route anywhere close to this area.

The proposed route would include a station at Lower Sydenham (the existing station would be re-sited closer to the Sainsburys store at Bell Green). It would also include an interchange at New Cross Gate which would allow access for those travelling from Sydenham on the East London line or on mainline trains to London Bridge.

Although it may take many years for the line to be built, this proposal is of huge importance to this area – it means a steady and improving rail future for our part of the world and an opening up of lower Sydenham as an interchange on the London Underground.

For a full copy of the Rail Utilisation Study see:

london and south east – route utilisation strategy