LONDON RAIL LINKS - CROSS CAPITAL INVESTMENT

Increased pressure is likely to be put on the UK Government by proposals for the Crossrail and Chelsea-Hackney railway lines, from the shadow Strategic Rail Authority (sSRA). Should these lines be completed, rail commuters would be able to travel to the centre of London without having to change to Underground Railway services at terminus stations around London's periphery. Plans to reduce congestion by upgrading existing infrastructure and services were examined but a study by the sSRA concluded that none of the options would alleviate congestion in Central London, which can only be dealt with by the planned cross London rail links. The study also endorses plans for a direct rail link between Heathrow and St Pancras. Details are given of the recommended cross London rail links and tunnelling work required.