Plans to enlarge the DLR’s Beckton Depot to provide a new maintenance building and expanded stabling capability have been given the green light to proceed. Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will be the main delivery partner for these major works.
The expansion of the depot and the additional sidings forms part of the larger DLR train programme that will see 54 new, five-car DLR trains start to enter service from 2024. These new trains will feature a walk-through design, latest audio and visual real-time travel information, air conditioning, and mobile device charging points. Thirty-three of the new trains will replace some of the oldest rolling stock, which are more than 30 years old and coming to the end of their design life, while 21 additional trains will boost capacity across the DLR network.
These major works will deliver a new maintenance building, including a new train-lifting road, craneage, under train access and pits to enable the final assembly of the new B23 trains and longer-term maintenance facilities as more of the new fleet is introduced. A new test track facility will also be constructed to allow testing of the new Thales signalling system that will be introduced for both the new B23 trains and the existing B2007 fleet that is being retained.
With an expanding fleet, designed to keep pace with growing demand in east London, additional stabling to store the trains is required. The existing southern sidings will be extended and additional sidings will be constructed to the north of the new maintenance building, making a total of six new sidings accommodating 15 trains when the work is complete.
“The improvements at Beckton Depot are an integral part of the new DLR train programme,” said Tom Page, TfL’s general manager of the DLR. “Improved facilities will ensure the trains are well maintained to make sure our customers get the most reliable service possible.”
With more than 90 million journeys made each year, the DLR is the busiest light railway in the UK. New trains will provide more frequent direct services to Stratford, allowing people from across southeast London to reach new jobs in east London without the need to travel through Zone 1. It also serves Canary Wharf, a vitally important centre for the financial and professional service industries, where it links with the Tube network and the new Elizabeth line, which has recently seen its 100 millionth journey.
The main depot works at Beckton are expected to be completed in 2024 with all the new DLR trains due to enter service by 2026.
“Our work at Beckton Depot will be a key enabler in unlocking additional capacity for TfL’s DLR, improving connections to east and southeast London,” said Simon Smith, managing director for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure. “We’re pleased to partner with TfL once again as we work together to connect people, places and communities through innovative and responsible infrastructure.”
Image credit: TfL
