It may not have been given the full go-ahead yet but in preparation for spades going into the ground Transport for London have started preliminary market engagement for the DLR extension to Thamesmead. This is the first step in finding out which suppliers would be interested in bidding for the construction contract when it is formally put out to tender.
The Market Engagement notice gives the following information about the project:
- Tie-in to the existing DLR East Route, grade separated junction and viaduct, dropping down to grade level approaching Beckton Riverside station
- New station at the centre of Beckton Riverside station
- Cross river tunnel, twin bore tunnel circa 1.5km
- New station at Thamesmead
- New turnback siding to the west of the extension to facilitate a future uplift in services on the Thamesmead branch and East Route
The total value of the contract is currently expected to be £1,620,000,000 (including VAT) with construction to start in 2028 and completed by 2033.
As part of this Market Engagement, TfL initially held an industry day on 2nd December 2025 and then issued a market sounding questionnaire. Another industry day will take place on 25th February 2026, with final responses to another market sounding questionnaire expected by 10th April. After possible further discussions a formal tender notice is expected to be published by 1st June 2026.