Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government

5:35pm Tuesday 13th December 2011 – Watford observer

By Adam Binnie and Mike Wright »



Work on a £120m rail project that will change the face of Watford and
Croxley Green has been approved by the Government.

An official announcement that the long-running Croxley Rail Link
project has been approved is due to take place tomorrow, the Watford
Observer understands.

The new link will connect Croxley Station on the Metropolitan Line
with currently disused track between Croxley Green and Watford High
Street overground station.

A colossal rail bridge will run from Baldwins Lane in Croxley Green,
past the Harvester restaurant and over the dual carriageway.

The new railway will then run along Watford Road, the Grand Union
canal, and through west Watford, where two new stations will be built
in Ascot Road and Vicarage Road.

Both MP for Watford Richard Harrington and mayor Dorothy Thornhill,
who have lobbied heavily for the project to go ahead, welcomed the
news.

Mr Harrington “I am delighted that this Government has taken this
decision and invested in the future of Watford.

“This development will be crucial in regenerating Watford and bringing
much-needed investment in the town.

“Over the last few weeks I have spoken to the Transport Secretary and
the Chancellor to push for Government support as I believe it will be
a pivotal boost for Watford and the start of an exciting new chapter
for the town.”

Mayor Thornhill added: “I have a huge grin on my face. This is
something I have wanted for the town for many years. I can't pretend
that I am not proud that it is my government that has granted it.”

Speaking before the announcement, Mr Harrington described the project
as “a major urban regeneration scheme for the poorest parts of
Watford”.

A three dimensional video shows the scale of new route, which is hoped
to be finished by 2016, as it winds its way from Croxley Green, along
the railway bridge and into Watford.

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John Burke
WRUG