FAQs
When could the extension be open?
We are still developing the design and detail of the scheme and would need to obtain consent through a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to build and operate the extension. Subject to funding and successfully securing the TWAO we could begin construction in the late 2020s, with the extension and new stations open in the early 2030s.
How much could the extension cost?
We are in the early stages of planning for the proposed extension. We think it could cost around £1.5bn (outturn costs), however this is subject to further design work and understanding how the extension could be built.
To determine expected scheme costs, we use benchmarking for comparable schemes, as well as undertaking a cost estimating exercise. The estimating takes into account both direct costs (i.e. the costs for constructing the new infrastructure and purchasing the required trains), as well as indirect costs (such as the scheme development, consents, surveys and design) together with allowances for risk, inflation and other matters.
Is any of this funded?
We have funding to develop the proposals up to the point where a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application is required.
DLR to Thamesmead is one of a set of as-yet unfunded projects that we have in the pipeline that could support new housing, jobs and deliver economic growth. The transformation from the Elizabeth line and previous extensions of DLR and Jubilee line into Docklands have demonstrated the significant economic and housing benefits unlocked by key transport links.
We continue to work with the Government to discuss these schemes. The most advanced discussions relate to this scheme, where there is widespread positivity about the business case for the scheme and a commitment by the Government to work together with us and the GLA to finalise a full business case and funding plan by autumn this year.
Why do you need a turnback?
The regeneration of Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead are long-term projects, with the new housing likely to be built in phases. To deliver later phases, we believe that further services would be required to/from Thamesmead. To make this possible, we would need a place for trains to terminate, reverse and then re-enter service, as well as existing trains. This is called a ‘turnback’ and could be in the form of a siding (a short piece of track branching off from the main line) or an additional platform.
We explain what a turnback is, why it could be needed in the future and what locations we are currently looking at, here.
Are you going to rebuild Reubens Bridge?
We have not yet identified a preferred option for the location of the proposed turnback, with two potential options presented as part of this consultation.
Locating the turnback in the area identified to the west of Canning Town station which adjoins Bow Creek Ecology Park and the River Lea would require the demolition of Reubens Bridge. This is a pedestrian bridge that links Wharfside Road to the path alongside the River Lea across the DLR tracks. It was closed shortly after its initial opening and there are no plans to re-open it. A full structural survey identified that it is non-compliant with current Health & Safety Legislation, Building Regulations, British Standards and associated supplementary guidance.
Should this location be selected as the preferred option for the turnback, we would work with the London Boroughs of Newham and Tower Hamlets to assess the opportunities to improve pedestrian connections in this area.
How often would trains run from Thamesmead?
Once the extension is built and operational, we expect to run train services every 8-10 minutes throughout the day from Thamesmead.
How often would trains run from Beckton?
Once the extension is built and operational, we expect to run train services every 8-10 minutes throughout the day from Beckton.
What about an underground station at Beckton Riverside/Thamesmead?
The proposed ground-level station in Beckton Riverside would cost less when compared to an underground station. An underground station in Beckton Riverside would also disrupt ground-level connections due to the alignment going from from an elevated to an underground railway on the approach to the proposed station.
The proposed raised elevated station in Thamesmead would cost less when compared to an underground station. Whilst an underground station would provide good connections to the planned town centre, an underground station in Thamesmead would also be the most complex station to construct and operate which would result in impacts to the overall cost and affordability of the scheme. Furthermore, an underground station the alternative options would make any future onward extension of the DLR beyond Thamesmead more challenging to build. We give more information about this on our stations sub-page.
How would you build the extension?
We do not yet have detailed information about how we would build the extension. We have outlined some of our ideas in the construction sub-page. We will use the feedback to this consultation to work on this next level of detail. Details of our proposed construction strategy will be the subject of a future consultation.
You’re proposing a station where Cannon Retail Park is. What will happen to the retail park?
Our proposals for an extension of the DLR are intended to support the ongoing regeneration of the Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead areas to support the creation of new and improved town centres, homes, and facilities for both new and existing residents.
We are proposing a station at Cannon Retail Park on the site of several retail units and associated parking.
There would be changes across the whole regeneration area, including Cannon Retail Park with the long term aim of delivering improvements for everyone who lives, works and travels in the area.
Are there plans in place for the development of Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead town centre?
The proposed DLR extension would allow the transformation of Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, potentially supporting the delivery of up to 30,000 new homes. The vision for the growth of these areas is set out in the Royal Docks & Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead & Abbey Wood Opportunity Area Planning Framework’s (OAPFs). These documents were developed in partnership between the Greater London Authority, the London Borough of Newham and the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and represent the first stage in planning for significant numbers of new homes and jobs, improved infrastructure, and access to local services.
As the Local Planning Authorities for Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, Newham and Greenwich Councils are reviewing their local plans to include more detail from the visions in the Opportunity Area Planning Frameworks. As any plans for new housing and other development will require planning permission, future planning applications will need to be developed in response to these documents. Future proposals for these sites will be developed by landowners including the Thamesmead Waterfront Joint Venture, Aberdeen Investments and St William.
What about a further extension to Bexley?
We believe that constructing the DLR extension to Thamesmead (with an elevated station at Thamesmead), as proposed in this consultation, offers the best longer term opportunities for further extensions beyond Thamesmead, and this could include an extension to locations within Bexley such as Erith and Belvedere. However, more detailed development work would be needed to identify where a further extension would deliver the most benefit and there is currently no funding available to do this work.
What else are you doing on the DLR network?
We're introducing 54 new trains to replace the 33 oldest trains in our fleet, some of which are more than 30 years old. The first of the new trains arrived at Beckton depot in January 2023. They're being tested and integrated with the DLR's signalling system to ensure they're reliable when they come into service.
The new trains will help us to improve the frequency and reliability of services and support population and employment growth across the network, particularly in parts of the Royal Docks and the Isle of Dogs where the DLR is the main transport option. Our order for 11 of the extra trains was funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. When the new trains begin to be introduced on the network later this year, customers will see major improvements from spacious walk-through carriages, air conditioning, live travel information and improved accessibility features.
Other works at Beckton and Poplar depots, and on the rest of the network, are needed to prepare for the new fleet. Alongside routine track and infrastructure maintenance, we're upgrading our power and communications systems across the network during engineering hours and closures.
Ahead of introducing the new trains, the existing fleet is nearing the end of its lifespan and so, during this transitional period, we will need to begin retiring some of the oldest trains so we can continue to offer a reliable service. This does mean we will need to operate a slightly reduced service on the line between Beckton and Stratford from July 2025 so you may notice some reduced frequencies.
More information about our improvements across the DLR network can be found here.
What is happening at Cutty Sark?
The escalators at Cutty Sark station have been in service for many years, and have become unreliable, as station users will be aware. We have decided to invest in Cutty Sark station by replacing the escalators which is difficult to do when the station is in daily use by customers. To be as efficient as possible, and to replace both escalators at the same time, we have had to close Cutty Sark from 31 May 2025 for a year and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Customers are advised to travel to Greenwich station and continue their journey at street level. Full details about the closure and travel advice can be found here.
