If you read our recent article on the tram shortages on London Tramlink you will have seen that there had been an update to Transport for London’s Programme and Investment Committee on a programme to procure replacement trams as part of the latest report into various Rail and Station Enhancement programmes. This report didn’t only go into the tram replacement programme with a few other tram and light rail projects also mentioned.
Staying with work on London Tramlink and more information is given on the “Sandilands Programme”. This is work related to recommendations in improving safety following the tragic accident at Sandilands in 2016. Originally due to be completed in 2022/23, unfortunately the final elements of the programme have been delayed due to technical problems with the trams power supply which led to a change in the delivery strategy.
It is now planned that in autumn 2023/4 the track and tunnel lighting improvements are planned to be completed concurrently to minimise disruption to the service. On top of that the I-tram system will progress to improve operational reporting by providing real-time performance, accurate tram geographical location data and tram drivers will get an overspeed alert. An additional £1.43 million has been requested to cover these activities with the estimated final cost increasing from £19.2 million to £21.5 million due to programme prolongation and additional power requirements.
Meanwhile, on the Docklands Light Railway there is the “DLR Royal Docks Programme” which has three strands:
- New station at Thames Wharf – Feasibility and value engineering have concluded for this new station in-line with the revised masterplan for the Thameside West development. Work on the scheme will now be paused and the project will complete the necessary assurance processes. All feasibility and design information will be retained and it will return to the Committee for further Programme and Project Authority when more third-party funding is secured.
- Capacity enhancement at Pontoon Dock – Concept design was completed in 2022/3 but after significant cost pressures the project team has reviewed the post-Covid station passenger demand forecasts and are undertaking detailed option and value engineering assessments to reduce costs. During 2023/4 and 2024/5 a revised concept design will be finalised and after that, subject to available funding and approval from the Committee, planning and procurement will be undertaken for detailed design and build.
- Royal Victoria station improvements – Concept design and an invitation tender for detailed design and build was completed for canopy upgrades in 2022/3. However, the scheme is now paused due to reprioritisation of Royal Docks funding.