Docklands Light Railway extension opens

With just under a year to go to the London 2012 Paralympic Games the fully accessible Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Stratford International extension opened today.

The project is a key part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic transport network and will improve accessibility on London’s transport network for people with restricted mobility.

The £211m DLR extension from Stratford International Station to Canning Town includes four new stations and connects five London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic venues.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:

“This expansion of the DLR is a further demonstration of the improvements that the London 2012 Games are making to our city.

“This work will be of permanent benefit for Londoners and all those travelling in the Capital from here on in. It’s fantastic news and another example of London’s lasting legacy of playing host to such a momentous event.”

London Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, said:

“The completion of the DLR extension to Stratford International and the new lifts at Green Park station provide five more accessible stations delivering benefits for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and building on the legacy of transport improvements well ahead of next summer.

“The DLR extension completes the £500m upgrade of the DLR, which will bring a 50% increase in capacity across the network.

“The new line will also provide a legacy of more direct access to London’s wider rail network for large numbers of people in Lower Lea Valley and help permanent regeneration in area.”