DLR extension cost and completion date confirmed as TfL puts out tender for contract

Transport for London expects the Docklands Light Railway extension to Beckton and Thamesmead to be completed within seven years

The DLR extension to Thamesmead is expected to cost £1.62billion to construct and take seven years to complete, Transport for London (TfL) has revealed.

The transport authority put out a tender on Monday (February 2) confirming the scope and timeline of the light railway line project, which was given the green light in November by the government after years of lobbying.

The work, which will see the current end point at Gallion's Reach extended to two new stations - Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead - is seen a a crucial step to unlocking more housing in London, including the proposed Thamesmead waterfront New Town.

TfL's tender says work on the project should start in 2028 and be completed by 2033. A TfL source said they would begin "early enabling works" in 2027 before main works start in 2028.

Bidders must be prepared to build two new stations, a 1.5km cross-river tunnel and a "new turnback siding to the west of the extension to facilitate a future uplift in services" on the route, according to documents released on Monday.

The successful contractor will carry out the work between March 1 next year and December 31, 2033. It is understood that previously, TfL had hoped to start the work by 2027 and finish as early as 2032.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) and TfL will borrow the vast majority of the money needed for the extension, with government financial support for the scheme still unknown.