Atkins-led team to explore options to transform disused Watford rail line

A team of transport consultancies led by Atkins is working with local councils to draw up proposals to bring the long disused Watford to Croxley Green railway line “back to life” in some sustainable travel capacity.The 5.5km stretch of track has been disused since 1996 but it was long mooted to be brought back into use as an extension of the London Underground’s Metropolitan line and a connection to the Overground. After several false starts, the project got underway in 2014 and was handed from Network Rail to Transport for London (TfL) in 2015.However, in 2017 it was revealed that work had stopped due to a funding issue, with TfL saying that another £50M was required. TfL and the Department for Transport could not come to an agreement on the additional funding and the project has remained dormant since. Despite £130M having been spent on the project, all that had been accomplished were utility diversions and route clearance.Now Hertfordshire County Council, Watford Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council and Network Rail have partnered with Atkins, Systra UK and Wood Group to explore options for what could be done with the line that would provide innovative solutions to improve connectivity in the area.It is uncertain at this point what form the new development could take, but Watford Council and Network Rail are committed to finding “new ways of using the link”. Watford Council believes that the rapid advancement of transport technology means that “there could be some exciting and groundbreaking ideas coming forward”. It adds that “at the very least” the plans will align with the national movement towards active travel and will encourage more people to walk and cycle.Concept designs from Atkins, Systra and Wood Group will be submitted in spring 2023 and a strategic outline business case will be developed to support future funding bids to deliver the project.A budget of £275,000 has been set aside to develop this work from Hertfordshire County Council’s Highways and Transport budget and Watford Borough Council’s community infrastructure levy money.Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “Improving our public transport options is a key objective in our sustainable transport strategy. I am determined to make this connection a reality for the benefit of our residents and local businesses. This is why we are providing funding, and taking a lead role in the project. It is a very positive sign that three leading engineering consultancies want to work with us. Bringing this line back into use will help cut congestion in Watford and I’m looking forward to seeing the solutions they put forward.”Hertfordshire County Council executive member for highways and transport Phil Bibby said: “Across the county we are investing in active and public transport to better connect our towns and villages, and help people get where they need to go without using a car. As well as this link between Watford and Croxley, we are exploring options for upgrading the Watford to St Albans Abbey Line, and working on plans for a new HERT rapid transit system that will connect Hemel Hempstead to Harlow . By delivering infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities, we’ll help to deliver a cleaner, greener and healthier Hertfordshire.”Three Rivers District Council leader Sarah Nelmes added: “At a time when we want to see reduced emissions – any new transport link which helps residents get where they want to be without having to get in their cars would be welcome in Three Rivers. The links between Watford and Three Rivers are vital as so many of our services are shared – including schools, shops, and a range of other resources and infrastructure. Improved transport links of any form could provide accessible and convenient routes that help people switch from car usage.”Network Rail director for west coast south route James Dean said: “We’re pleased to be working with our partners in Hertfordshire to explore how disused railway land between Watford and Croxley Green could be repurposed to help better connect local people and increase the provision of sustainable journeys in the area.”