Bakerloo line extension to Lewisham set for summer 2027 start

Transport for London will begin construction on the Bakerloo line extension to Lewisham in summer 2027. The project, first revived by former Mayor Boris Johnson in 2014, will start with upgrades to Stonebridge Park Depot in northwest London. New trains are expected to enter service in the 2030s.

The extension will run from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham, with proposed stops at Burgess Park, Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate. A future phase could extend the line further south to Hayes using existing track. Funding for the extension has not yet been secured.

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Impact on South London

A Transport for London study published in early 2025 found the extension could improve employment access by 11% along the route. The report also noted increased housing development in areas served by the Elizabeth line, which opened in 2022.

Residents in Ladywell, a neighbourhood near Lewisham, told MyLondon they face frequent delays and cancellations on Southeastern services. Some say they travel to Lewisham station instead to avoid unreliable connections at Ladywell.

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“I often just go to Lewisham station and take the train from there because Ladywell is so unreliable.”

Local business owner, Ladywell

Brooke Jamieson, who works in a gift shop on Ladywell Road, described the area as a "public transport desert". She said cancellations and closures on the Windrush line in Brockley disrupt travel to central London. Many residents rely on buses, which are often crowded.

Ongoing rail upgrades

Southeastern Railway is upgrading 1,800 metres of track between Charing Cross and Waterloo East. The £20m project includes drainage work, foundation repairs and structural improvements to Hungerford Bridge. Both stations are closed until 17 August.

Scott Brightwell, safety, planning and performance director at Southeastern Railway, said the closure would cause inconvenience but was necessary. Customers can still reach central London using alternative routes, though journeys may take longer.

What happens next

After depot upgrades are completed in 2027, Transport for London will seek funding for the Bakerloo line extension. No timeline has been set for the next phase. Residents in Ladywell and surrounding areas will continue to rely on existing rail and bus services until the project progresses.