Government gives Croxley Rail Link green light

Work on the Croxley Rail Link should start soon after the Government confirmed the project yesterday (Tuesday). Watford MP Richard Harrington broke the news after a meeting at the Treasury. The Rail Link will see the Metropolitan Line extended to Watford Junction, and new stations built at Vicarage Road and Ascot Road. Access will be improved to the Hospital, football ground, business parks, and to wider West Watford. Last week, Mr Harrington reported that a decision was due to be made soon, as he had entered into the final phase of discussions for Transport for London to take over the management of the project. At the meeting this morning, the deal was finalised and TfL have now taken over the project with support and further backing from the Treasury. Richard said; “I am absolutely delighted, this is really positive news for Watford. I’ve had extensive meetings with Boris Johnson on this, the DfT and others, and this morning the Treasury. This was the final hurdle, and I look forward to seeing the construction start soon. “The Croxley Rail Link was first floated as an idea in the 1920’s, which seems crazy, it was one of those things which people never thought was really going to happen – I remember my dad saying to me in the 80s that it was pie in the sky and we’d never see it done. Little did I think then, that I would be announcing this final step today! “I made the Rail Link one of my priorities in 2010, I thought it had been talked about for far too long and we needed action – which is exactly what I did. The Government are investing millions of pounds in this, in Watford, and it will make such a difference to the town. “As this has now all been finalised and confirmed, I intend to move forward and renew discussions for the retention of Watford Metropolitan Line Station as well as linking Crossrail to Watford Junction and improvements on the Abbey Line and at Bushey Station.” Watford mayor Dorothy Thornhill said she was delighted. She commented: “The link has been a priority throughout my time as mayor, and I am pleased that the main construction will start this autumn, with the first trains due in 2018! “I’ve always been clear that Croxley rail link is a transformational project for the town, and absolutely critical to unlocking Watford’s future economic potential. “Watford is booming, and my council colleagues and I are proud of our successes in bringing major investment to our area. Projects like the rail link, together with Watford Health Campus, Watford Business Park, Watford Junction Interchange and Charter Place Shopping Centre will make sure that Watford remains a great place in which to live, work, visit and study.”