Transport for London has confirmed that the revamp of Pontoon Dock DLR station, originally scheduled to begin this summer, has been delayed until January 2027. The transport hub will undergo a £43.9 million upgrade to install six escalators, enlarge the mezzanine level, and improve the surrounding area.
Project Timeline and Funding
Preliminary work is now expected to begin in September, before final approval should see the upgrade start early next year. TfL's annual report on delivering the Mayor's transport strategy, published this week, states that the authority is still finalising terms with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Newham Council about how the project will be funded.
Construction will be 75 per cent third-party funded, with key contributions from government housing agency Homes England and the GLA, along with some contributions from developers. Transport bosses previously said the project would be complete by 2028, but have not confirmed if this finish date is also pushed back.
Why the Upgrade is Needed
Over the coming years, TfL expects daily passenger numbers to surge by 4,500 at peak times due to the wider Silvertown Quays development, making it one of London's fastest-growing areas. Despite initial plans set out last year for construction to begin this summer, transport bosses have delayed the Pontoon Dock project while design proposals are completed.
The Silvertown Quays housing project, set to boost station usage by 415 per cent, will see around 6,500 new homes built in the area. This significant increase in demand necessitates the upgrade.
Benefits of the Upgrade
TfL said the new escalators and larger mezzanine level will reduce queuing, pressure on the lifts, and improve step-free access. Pontoon Dock station is elevated 13 metres above street level, making it one of the highest stations on the DLR network. Access is currently limited to lifts and stairs. At peak times, this means around half of customers who rely on the lift face congestion and longer journey times.
Matt Yates, TfL’s Head of Investment Planning, said: “We are moving forward with a major upgrade of Pontoon Dock DLR station to make journeys easier, more accessible and comfortable for our customers. These improvements will increase capacity and create a much-improved passenger experience with a spacious environment, an expanded mezzanine level, six escalators and better public spaces.
“Preliminary work is expected to begin in September, with main construction planned from January, subject to final approvals. The station will remain open for most of the works so customers can continue to travel while improvements are carried out.”
The station upgrade will include six new escalators and a larger mezzanine level, which will enhance the passenger experience and accommodate the anticipated growth in ridership.
