Waterloo 'Through Station' Proposal

Currently, trains from London's south east are separated from trains from London's south west, but a proposed Southern Cross-rail would allow for example, trains from Windsor, Guildford, Dorking and Surbiton to pass rapidly though Waterloo to Bromley, Dartford and Sevenoaks. The project proposal will avoid the jam caused by trains having to enter a terminus station and reversing out. As well as this, people in the South West region would have direct access to South East services and vice versa. The quick and simple alteration to London Waterloo will double its capacity.

Waterloo was initially constructed in the 1800s as a through station, but by the end of the century this was changed with the introduction of the Waterloo and City Line, as well as other methods of city transportation, What is now known as Waterloo East offered the chance for trains to pass through the station, constructed in 1869 the station is now largely recognised as a separate station and there are no services directly connecting South East and South West. 

The lines as they currently appear.

By 2030, London is expected to have a population of around 30 million, already, 100 million passengers use London's train systems a year. Over the next ten years, Waterloo's passengers alone are expected to increase by at least 50%, with overcrowding already being an issue, the station and it's facilities are being pushed to their limits. By removing Waterloo East and making Waterloo Terminus back into a through station that connects to the South East line; the station can have a doubled capacity increase, as well as the other advantages mentioned above. 

The project will also support economic regeneration across London and the south east of England by providing the infrastructure needed to support 200,000 new homes and 200,000 new jobs.

Waterloo if the proposal goes ahead.

Southern Cross-rail itself would shorten journey times, remove the need of connecting services between Waterloo East and London Bridge, and offer a more linear and efficient way of travelling. 

The project would indeed cost 5 billion pounds to construct, but the profit to the economy is expected to be 5.6 billion pounds per year, meaning the project would pay for itself by the 12 month mark. 

This proposal is all under plans for a new 'Southern Crossrail' by the Environmental Transport Association (AKA the ETA). The images and information posted here are taken from their promotional video, their website also holds more information. The ETA is now calling for TFL to undertake a feasibility study.

Map of the line proposal once completed.

That's all from me until July, possibly permanently. Like Liam, due to my exams and commitments, I take time off. Jacob.