The proposed railway would bring two new stations to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, with construction potentially starting by 2029.
Transport for London plans to seek formal approval for the DLR extension to Thamesmead in early 2027 after its latest public consultation found continued support for the scheme.
TfL said the feedback had not raised any issues requiring significant changes to the proposals, which would bring the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead for the first time.
The extension would branch off from the existing DLR line after Gallions Reach, serving a new station at Beckton Riverside before passing beneath the River Thames to a terminus in Thamesmead town centre.
Plans include two new stations and twin 1.5-kilometre tunnels beneath the river, with one tunnel for trains travelling in each direction.
TfL received 553 responses during the consultation, which ran from 5 June to 16 July. Of those, 527 came from members of the public and 26 from stakeholder organisations.
An earlier consultation found that 77 per cent of respondents supported TfL’s proposed location for a station in Thamesmead town centre, as previously reported by London Bus Forums News.
The transport authority said respondents supported improved connections to jobs, education and services, although concerns were raised about construction traffic, noise and environmental impacts.
Respondents also highlighted the importance of accessible stations, better bus connections and safe walking and cycling routes.
Thamesmead currently has no direct rail connection. TfL estimates the extension could reduce journey times to the City from around an hour to between 35 and 40 minutes, with trains initially running every eight to ten minutes.
Image: TfL
The scheme could also support up to 30,000 new homes and 10,000 jobs across Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront, according to TfL.
Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said: “Residents have waited far too long for the connections they deserve.”
TfL is now finalising its proposals and carrying out further environmental assessments ahead of submitting a Transport and Works Act Order application to the Secretary of State for Transport.
The application, expected in early 2027, would seek the powers needed to build and operate the extension.
The authority is also working with the Government to finalise funding arrangements for the project.
Subject to a funding agreement and the necessary approvals, construction could begin by 2029, with the new stations potentially opening in the early 2030s.
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