About The Scheme

The proposals include the construction of a viaduct to connect the existing Metropolitan line to the currently disused Croxley Green Branch Line, with the provision of two new stations. The overall aim of the project is to improve connectivity within Watford and between Watford, London and the rest of the UK, thereby supporting economic development and helping to reduce the strain on Watford's busy road network.

Hertfordshire County Council is currently developing the designs for the scheme with a view to progressing down the appropriate planning permission channel, known as a Transport and Works Act Order, to gain the necessary powers to construct the scheme.

History of the Scheme

The Watford branch of the Metropolitan line has never served Watford town centre. While this was the intention when the line was first built in the early 1900s, planning constraints dictated that the route would terminate to the South of Cassiobury Park, located on the outskirts of Watford.

The Croxley Green branch line that used to be in operation between Watford Junction and Croxley Green Station (near Ascot Road) had an infrequent service and as a result was poorly used. It was finally severed by the construction of the Ascot Road dual carriageway in 1996.

In the late 1980s, the idea of linking the Metropolitan line's Watford branch with the Croxley Green branch line was first suggested. In the 1990s Hertfordshire County Council took the lead on the project following its inclusion in the South West Hertfordshire Transport Strategy. A partnership approach has now been adopted with Hertfordshire County Council, London Underground and Network Rail working together to ensure the scheme's success.

The Route

The proposed route begins at a new junction near Baldwins Lane, about a kilometre north-east of Croxley station.  A 400m  new viaduct will take the line over the Watford Road dual carriageway and the Grand Union Canal on to the disused Croxley Green branch line track bed to Watford High Street and Watford Junction.

See Plan

It is anticipated two new stations will be opened along the route. Ascot Road station, where it is planned to have car parking facilities, will serve the local community and provide a valuable new transport link for businesses in the area. A second station will be sited to serve the existing Watford Hospital, the football ground and the planned Health Campus.

Closure of Watford Metropolitan station

It has always been anticipated that the scheme will involve the closure of the existing Watford Metropolitan line station and that a new station at Ascot Road will open 1.2km away (15 minute walk).

The provision of this station, and one other, means that approximately 2,700 net additional households will fall within an 800m catchment area of a station.

For more information go to Benefits