Issue - meetings

Further to Minute 47 (22 October 2013), the Cabinet Member for Regeneration presented a report on the progress of the transport projects that had previously been identified as integral to unlocking regeneration opportunities in the Borough, together with additional projects that had been identified in the light of the Council’s new vision and priorities.

The Cabinet Member spoke on each of the 10 projects and outlined some of the benefits that those who lived, worked and travelled through the Borough could expect from their delivery.  He explained that while the projects were not listed in any particular order of priority, investment in and improvements to the A13 underpinned many of the other projects in view of its status as the main road network through the Borough and into central London.  Key aspects of that project were to improve traffic flow between Lodge Avenue and Gale Street, potentially through the creation of an underpass, as well as improvements to the Renwick Road junction and the replacement of the Lodge Avenue flyover.  One of the new projects in the listing related to the re-categorising of Barking Station from Zone 4 to Zone 4/3 and the renaming of the Hammersmith and City line to the Hammersmith to Barking line, which the Cabinet Member commented would be far more reflective of the route and serve to highlight Barking’s prominence in the rail network.

The Cabinet Member explained that the timing of a number of the projects were dependent on the progression of wider initiatives and, to that end, it was noted that a number of other London Boroughs, including those that formed the proposed new Growth Boroughs group, were also planning to lobby the Government and the Mayor of London for major investment in the capital’s transport infrastructure.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree to support and lobby for the following key transport projects to assist in delivering the five growth hubs:

1.  A13 as a priority transport corridor for investment to relieve congestion and facilitate movement

2.  Barking to Stratford direct rail link with ultimately an eastern spur of Crossrail

3.  New C2C stop at Dagenham East underground station

4.  Moving Barking Station from zone 4 to zone 4/3 and renaming Hammersmith and City line, Hammersmith to Barking line.

5.  Direct rail access from Stratford to Stansted

6.  London Overground extension to Barking Riverside (zone 3/4) and Abbey Wood Crossrail Station and  continued safeguarding of the DLR extension to Dagenham Dock.

7.  Barking Station Improvements

8.  New road river crossing from South Hornchurch to Belvedere followed by Gallions Reach to Woolwich.

9.  Barking Riverside to Gallions Reach river crossing.

10.Improved links to Royal Docks, Barking Riverside, South Dagenham, Chadwell Heath and Romford

(ii)  Agree the actions listed in paragraph 2.41 of the report to support the delivery of the above transport projects.