Watford rail link support boost

From eWatford Observer
5:19pm Friday 16th January 2009

By Michael Pickard »


The extension of the Metropolitan tube line to Watford Junction
station moved a step closer to realisation today.
Two schemes developed by Hertfordshire County Council were backed by
the East of England regional Assembly's Regional Planning Panel, and
the assembly will now advise the Department of Transport to fund them
both.
It is hoped the plans - the £162 million Croxley Rail Link and the £38
million Watford Junction Interchange - will reduce congestion and
boost Watford's economy.
Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural
affairs, said: “I’m delighted that the regional assembly will be
pushing the Government to fund these schemes. We need to invest in our
transport infrastructure if we’re going to support our economy and
reduce congestion.
“The Department for Transport bases its funding decisions on the
regional advice, so we’re optimistic that we’ll get the go-ahead and
that the line can open in 2017.”
The £162 million Croxley Rail Link scheme will see the Metropolitan
Line re-routed and extended to Watford Junction, where it will meet
Network Rail services.
Tube trains will run from Watford Junction to Central London every ten
minutes, the County Council said.
New stations would be also opened at Ascot Road and Watford West, with
improvements made to existing stations at Watford High Street and
Watford Junction.
The £38 million Watford Junction Station Interchange scheme involves a
major redevelopment of the station.
The station will get more drop-off points, easier pedestrian access
and better bus and coach facilities. New car parks will be built along
with a new link road.
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John Burke
WRUG