HL Deb 03 May 2001 vol 625 cc132-3WA
Lord Sheppard of Didgemere

asked Her Majesty's Government:

With reference to the allocation of £39 million announced by the Strategic Rail Authority on 2 April, when they expect construction of the extension of the East London Line to begin, and who will be responsible for managing the project and its subsequent maintenance and operation. [HL2017]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

It is intended that the initial work on construction of the northern extension from Whitechapel to Dalston will start at the end of this year. London Underground will manage this work. The Strategic Rail Authority is currently making the arrangements for the main construction phase to follow in 2002.

The East London Line extension will be constructed to National Rail Standards as the service pattern proposed for the finished project involves substantial running over Railtrack tracks, but no decisions have yet been made regarding the maintenance of the line or the operation of the service.

The commencement of works on the southern extensions is dependent on the outcome of LUL's application for powers under the Transport and Works Act 1992.