Beckton is getting three car services from 2011

An agreement for the Beckton branch of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to get three car services has been signed. Costing £18.2m the deal will see the following seven stations extended;

Royal Victoria
Custom House for Excel
Prince Regent
Beckton Park
Cyprus
Gallions Reach
Beckton

The money is coming form the following sources

£10.8m from the Olympic Delivery Authority
£2m from London Development Agency
£5.4m from the Housing and Communities Agency

The work will mean that by the Olympics, all the DLR services will be three car which will give the DLR trains the same capacity as a Circle Line train, give the network a huge boost to cope with the ever climbing passenger numbers. The first three car trains will be running on the Bank – Lewisham service from early next year.

Tower Gateway Re-opening

Tower Gateway (DLR)
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

There is a bit of a buzz recently over the re-opening of Tower Gateway in February. Increasing this is a poorly edited Tube map showing this month on the TfL website.

Now for a new map it still shows the DLR Woolwich as openning Jan 09.

As to find out whats happening I decided to email my contact at the DLR and I can confirm that within the DLR, "It’s looking like early March" for the re-opening. Time will tell but remember that Feb is a short month anyway so it could still open in the latter part of the month if not the first week of March.

Thoughts on Boris and opening of Woolwich Arsenal

Woolwich Arsenal Opens
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

As promised here some more detailed writings on what went on yesterday.

Monday was the latest opening of an DLR extension. once again ahead of its planned opening and quietly transforming the local area. I managed to view the station a few months back while its was under going final touches to become the station fit for the public. One thing I was surpised was the feeling of airyness at the high two levels from the skylight (you can see the affect it has on the image above with some of the skylight just on the right hand side of the image). The basic island layout of the station reminds me of North Greenwich (grey rather than blue) but thats hardly a bad thing.

Now back to the opening. Boris managed to get himself caught up in a major delay and turned up 40mins late and then managed to struggle to get the barriers open with his Oyster (seriously). One thing if hes coming from London bridge, shouldn't he have had a paper ticket? Especially as he used a SouthEastern service to get to Woolwich Arsenal. Once Boris got there he was mobbed by locals and went straight into shaking hands.

Boris speech to the gathered pressed seemed more about giving a commanding prescense than actually saying much. He seemed to like the word regeneration alot as he used it repeatedly. He actually did a joke that TfL should take over SouthEastern as soon as possible to keep the train serve running to time! Seems Mayors have a taste for TOCs with Ken wanting Southern!

The invited guests were taken around a short tour around the station before being taken down to platform level and Boris spoke to reporters. This is where I got to speak to Ian Brown of TfL Rail and managed to get some important questions answered.

I managed to get a train back with Boris and Ian Bown onboard.It was clear once we got to City Airport that Boris had never been this way before. As the local area was described for him it made me think, after all he had gone on about regeneration but didnt seem to know what was actually happening in the Royal Docks at all.

All in all another success for the DLR is now hard at work supporting people in East London. I would like to thank my contacts at the DLR for my invite for the day and hopefully see you again for the next opening.

To see my images from the day go to my flickr set

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/sets/72157612477279631/

Boris Opens Woolwich Arsenal

Boris Opens Woolwich Arsenal (DLR)
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

Today was the offical opening of the latest DLR extension to Woolwich Arsenal. I got a press invite to the show and will be releasing my images tomorrow (sadly other commitments mean I can do them today). Oh and the extension opened SEVEN weeks early.

While I was there I got to speak with London Rail's MD Ian Brown. London Rail is basically incharge of the DLR and Overground as well as supporting TOC in the London area.

I asked him what happened with the new Overground platforms at Stratford over christmas and when were they going to be opened?

Basically it seems that Network Rail didnt have the signalling testing to complete the work there and at the moment TfL is awaiting a new possesion to try again and commission the link.

On the subject of the new 378 fleet for the Overground I was told that the first is expected in service by March this year so a little wait longer.

As for the Oyster on National Rail within zones 1-6, ATOC is meeting this week and this will be discussed and hopefully sorted for a deadline!

Now for The East London Line (ELLX) Phase Two to Clapham Junction. It seems the DfT have made an offer for this and TfL have responded with a counter offer thats currently with the DfT. Lets hope they don't wait too long. Ian also told me he was very keen to see this progress quickly as he feels its extremely important to have this up and running as soon as possible. And with Thameslink Programme affecting the stations this will serve Im not surprised.

Thats it for the exciting news. Tomorrow I will be adding images taken from day including Boris failing to open the gates with his Oyster and explaining why he said the sooner TfL take over SouthEastern the better. All will be revealed.

Woolwich Arsenal is open for business

DSCF5394
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

After 3 years of work the latest DLR extension is open to the people of East and South London. The 2.5km extension is the final stage of the South Eastern Leg of the DLR via City Airport from Canning Town. This route came about after a study in 1997 in to future extensions. It is hoped that this extension will help regenerate Woolwich giving them easiler access to City Airport, Canary Wharf and North East London. Come 2010 the service will be double with the currently under construction Stratford International extension meaning that the locals will have access to SouthEastern's High Speed line as well as Eurostar services from Stratford International (or travel to Ebbsfleet on SouthEastern's service and change there).

Come 2017 the DLR will have a walkable interchange with Crossrail transforming Woolwich's transport links. But thats a story for another day.

Woolwich Arsenal Services

Times from Woolwich Arsenal using the DLR

Bank - 28mins
Canary Wharf - 19mins
City Airport - 6mins
Stratford - 19mins

Monday - Friday trains

First train to Bank 05.26
Last train to Bank 01.01

First train from Bank to Woolwich Arsenal 05.32
Last train to Woolwich 00.35

Saturday

First train to Bank 05.21
Last train to Bank 00.11

First train from Bank to Woolwich Arsenal 05.35
Last train to Woolwich 00.35

Sunday

First train to Bank 06.51
Last train to Bank 23.11

First train from Bank to Woolwich Arsenal 07.05
Last train to Woolwich 23.35

2009 Transport Events

London Overground 378 Derby
Originally uploaded by kpmarek

Well as we start 2009 I though it would be good to look at the transport events we will see during the year.

January
*The first one will be the DLR's Woolwich Arsenal extension which open on the 10th
*The first 377/5 for FCC will be deliveried and tested

Febuary
*The first 377/5 begins passanger runs late this month

March
*Blackfriars Tube station closes for 35 months for complete rebuilding
*All things being well the Moorgate branch of Thameslink along with the bay platforms at Blackfriars will close to allow rebuilding at Farringdon and Blackfriars on the 22nd

April
*DLR re-open Tower Gateway

December
*SouthEastern begin services using the 395's on HS1 speeding up services from Kent into central London

Other events without dates
*New Overground platforms are finished and opened
*378 fleet for the Overground comes into service
* First 09TS on the Victoria Line comes into passenger service
*PAYG Oyster on all rail services before the years end

There are also alot of things that could seriously affect our travelling lifes during 2009. The Thameslink programme along with the Tube upgrade are making weekend travel more difficult in the short term as is works around Stratford for the Olmypics. The next few years see large part of the networks affect but once we get through to late 2011 we will have six months of things being quiet before the chaos that being the focus of the world will bring before we start down the major works road. If everything hold to course then come 2018 (mostly expect the Bakerloo Line) we will see serious improvements in travelling around London with the Tube upgrade finished and new trains on most of the lines (Circle, District, Met, Hammersmith & City and Piccadilly), Completed London Overground works with longer trains, finished Thameslink with much improved links across the South East and a new fleet of trains, Crossrail open, High Speed travels to Kent and many open access operators to North France and finally another DLR extension opened. Its a long road of basically a decade but when they're finished London will be transformed. Just in time for HS2, Crossrail 2 and many other planned rail links to start?

DLR goes advanced. Again!

Deptford Bridge (DLR)
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

Just a note that the newly extended platforms at Deptford Bridge have a new look map. But whats interesting is the interchanges at Stratford and Shadwell. The new maps show Stratford being a place to interchange for the Stratford International line and Shadwell now is shown as a interchange for the Overground. This will be the truth in 18 months time in July 2010.

As for the DLR, its just 9 days until the new station at Woolwich Arsenal opening. Least the DLR managed to bring out good news where as London Overground had to cancel its move from Stratford Low Level to the main station. This could impact the time scale for the DLR's Stratford International line construction but time will tell.

DLR Woolwich Arsenal Update

DSCF5394
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

Its been confirmed that the Woolwich Arsenal extension of the DLR is to open on the 10th January. It also seems this will be followed up on the 12th by the offical opening. More details when I get them.

Just to note that this is another completed DLR extension thats finished ahead of time and on budget! Success for the DLR once again!

DLR Stratford International Works

New Viaduct
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

Here is the new viaduct that will take trains from Custom House direction over the Stratford International extension tracks as its really starting to take shape. The whole thing should be finished with a year for track laying and signalling to go in.

3 Car Testing between King George V to Woolwich Arsenal

3 Car Testing between King George V to Woolwich Arsenal
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

On sunday 2nd Feburary 2008 the DLR begain testing of two 3 car trains running between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal to test headway and jounery times. The test was done with 2 three car P stock (old trains) and ran for most of the day. This video is of a train departing King George V and heading into the tunnel for Woolwich Arsenal. To watch the video click on the image.

3 Car Testing between King George V to Woolwich Arsenal

3 Car Testing between King George V to Woolwich Arsenal
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

On sunday 2nd Feburary 2008 the DLR begain testing of two 3 car trains running between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal to test headway and jounery times. The test was done with 2 three car P stock (old trains) and ran for most of the day. This video is of a train arriving from Woolwich Arsenal before it goes to the crossover beyond the station and reverses. To watch the video click on the image.

DLR Victoria Extension

DLR Victoria Extension
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

The TfL have released a map (in the current edition of Modern Railways Nov 08) of a possible DLR extension from Bank to Victoria possibly calling at City Thameslink, Charing Cross and Victoria. This is a change from last year DLR thinking as they had ideas of Kings Cross/Euston as the natural extension from Bank (well it does face that direction). The purple line in this picture is Crossrail.

DLR Woolwich Arsenal

DSCF5475
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

With only a few months to go the DLR/TfL held a press event at Woolwich Arsenal today. This consisted of a tour of the station and then a walk into the tunnels. Ive managed to upload the images Ive taken from my visit at the following address.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/sets/72157608455386357/

The new £180m 2.km from King George V to Woolwich Arsenal station is the DLR's second Thames crossing. It will be the first DLR station with a control room as well as a gateline. When it opens on the 2nd of February 2009 it will be the DLR 40th station and the end to the 5th extension.

Oh and currently hand over to operation is running early with full testing expected to start in December.

Works at Stratford

Works at Stratford
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

More works on the soon to be DLR platforms. as from 2010 where this rail/road digger is will be the platform for Stratford International. Currently (temporary) Watford Junction (and as from November for a month or so Richmond).

Deptford Bridge

Deptford Bridge
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

An image from 12th October of the work at Deptford Bridge on making the eight year old station ready for three car trains come 2010.

Woolwich Arsenal gets closer

Woolwich Arsenal gets closer
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

The DLR is now testing trains in the tunnels between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal. I managed to get a picture of the train behind the barrier brief when I was getting on the train. Hopefully this is a good sign!

The extension isn't due to open till feb 2009. This means that if things are going well, we will soon see empty trains heading south from here.

Tower Gateway closes

Tower Gateway (DLR)
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

As of last week the orignal city termius of the DLR closed for rebuilding as part of the three car project. I got to go and take some picture of the station before they closed it. ads you can see from this picture there is an island platform with two tracks either side. From next year it will be the other way around with a platofrom either side of a single track. This way there will be a departure and arrivals helping keep passanger flows seperate as this is only a small station.

For more images of the station go here

Stratford International DLR Extension update

West Ham (DLR)
Originally uploaded by MackenzieBlu

Small update here on the new DLR extension. I have some images of work in my flickr, click here to go to the folder.

West Ham -

The paving stones of the platform edge have been removed as have the track going through the station area. The track is still down north and south of the station.

Canning Town -

Paving stones here have been removed along with the track as well. The reversing track south of the station has been removed although it might be something to do with the 3 car project.

DLR Stratford International

And so it begins. Work has physically started on the DLR extension to Stratford International this week. there has been some work in recent weeks including putting turnstiles into the fence between the track and pavement/road. this is for worker access.

The extension from Canning Town to Stratford International is going to be the mass transit system nearest to the Olympics in 2012 as well as serving the international station there. In true DLR style most of the route is using old trackbed, this time part of the North London Line, which in turn shut once the City Airport DLR extension opened a few years ago. From the mega junction south of Canning Town trains from both Woolwich Arsenal and Beckton (and in 2017 Dagenham Dock) which branch off into different platforms at Canning Town. 

Canning Town will be an interchange point for the DLR, but unlike other DLR station, passengers from the Bank/Tower Gateway direction will require some time as you have to go down to the Jubilee Line platform level, down to basement/ticket office level, walk around and then go back up to the Stratford International platforms. I can see this creating alot of problems especially for tourists (ie from City Airport or even changing from the Jubilee Line as DLR will be both upstairs and downstairs).

Im curious what they are going to do at West Ham as there isn't much space to put the lift in as the station end of the platform (which are narrow to start with) go straight into steps to the bridge over the road (I think this might be the only part of the JLE that isn't wheelchair friendly). Time will tell. 

Around Star Lane station the road is already closed and they have begun to take apart the road barriers. This is because they are actually moving the road at this point to provide space for the DLR platforms. They had the toilets there by thursday so it seems this is going to be a major point for the workforce. I hope to get some pictures soon. 

So the extension is due for opening some point in 2010, once open the whole DLR system will spend about two years without a single change. Hopefully all the new train will also be running by this point. Then once the Olympics are over is back to building new bit for the DLR starting with Dagenham Dock. 

DLR - Western Leg

I occurred to me that the western leg of the DLR (that's Bank/Tower Gateway to Poplar) is going to be crippled this summer. Lets start with Shadwell which lost its East London Line connection and now has replacement bus services, hardly great for mass numbers. Next is Tower Gateway which closes shortly for a year, so they lose connection to Circle and District lines. Now we find that Bank/Monument is also being no interchange till august. So basically west from Limehouse the ONLY interchange the DLR has is with the Northern at Bank officially. Cue a summer of chaos on the DLR.