TfL seeks contractor to build London Overground Barking Riverside extension

Transport for London (TfL) has begun the process of appointing a contractor to build the Barking Riverside extension which will form part of London Overground.

The 4.5km Barking Riverside extension will provide a new rail link that will serve east London’s largest housing development site, including 10,800 new homes as well as shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. Extension construction on the Gospel Oak to Barking line is expected to take place in late 2017 with train services commencing in 2021.

It is hoped the new extension will deliver a sustainable public transport alternative to car travel and link Barking Riverside into London’s public transport network through connections at Barking, with District and Hammersmith & City Tube services and c2c services to London Fenchurch Street and Essex.

Barking Riverside extension formal Invitation to Tender expected in 2017

TfL has placed a notice with the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) seeking expressions of interest to construct the rail extension.  A formal Invitation to Tender is expected to be issued in 2017 following the completion of design work. This follows the submission of the Transport and Works Act Order earlier this year. 

Val Shawcross, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, said: “The extension of the Overground will be key to the success of the exciting new developments at Barking Riverside, with a new station built alongside 10,800 new homes, shops and restaurants, and new school and health services. As we have seen in other parts of London, the extended Overground line will be an integral part of ensuring regeneration benefits everyone in the community, with excellent transport links to the rest of London and the creation of new homes and jobs.”

Mike Stubbs, TfL’s London Overground Director, added: “This vital new railway will open up the Barking Riverside area, supporting up to 10,800 new homes, along with new jobs and improved facilities for the local community. The London Overground network has helped regenerate other parts of London by providing a frequent, reliable and high standard rail services, and this rail extension will help Barking riverside to grow and develop.”

The project is part-funded by TfL’s £360m growth fund.