"End is in sight" for three-car works
As late workers and midweek drinkers ambled to the DLR late last Wednesday, some spotted a slightly longer train pulling into the platform.
It may not have been in operation, but this was the first sighting of DLR's new three-car trains on the Bank to Lewisham line.
The trains are expected to be introduced gradually on the stretch from January next year, following a three-year overhaul of the line to increase overall capacity.
DLR head of development and planning Rob Niven said: "As far as the three-car improvements go, the end is in sight."
Contractor Taylor Woodrow recently completed work on the new South Quay station and the extended platforms and new step and lift access at Lewisham and Westferry will be ready for action by the end of November.
A link bridge has also been built between the c2c and DLR platforms, allowing easier access to Canary Wharf for commuters from areas such as Essex.
The last obstacle is the month-long closure of Bank station from Christmas Eve, arranged so workers can install a more efficient junction point at Royal Mint Street.
Mr Niven revealed that DLR expected to have three-car trains running after Bank re-opens at the end of January, although the trains will only operate for "the majority of the day" initially. The new trains - which carry around 660 passengers compared to the current 440 - will be tested on the track most nights in the run-up to Christmas, although they will be out of service until next year.
The three-car trains will not be dispatched to the rest of the network at this stage, but the capability exists for a run to Stratford if demand exists, and a service to Woolwich Arsenal could be possible once work at Blackwall and East India is complete.
DLR has signed a contract with Taylor Woodrow for the adaptation of the Beckton line for three-car, and work will run from January next year until the end of 2010. But Mr Niven said disruption would be "limited" compared to the previous works, and that much of the work could be done during the day.
He said: "There are some works such as signalling that can't be done with the trains running. But these weekend closures have already been planned into the closure schedule."
The Stratford International line will run to Beckton and Woolwich Arsenal, requiring work on the connections under the Canning Town flyover from December 4 and 7 - Friday to Monday. The Canning Town to London City Airport stretch will be served by a replacement bus service for the duration, while the Beckton to Canning Town line will also shut on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, the service eastbound from Poplar will be closed from 4pm.
With high-speed domestic trains due to arrive at the end of the year, demand will rise for the Stratford International DLR extension. The line - which will feature new stations such as Star Lane and Abbey Road - will open in summer 2010. Mr Niven also added that the possible arrival of Eurostar is "under constant review".
London's population is to expected to rise further in the next few decades, but Mr Niven believes other line expansions will be able to take the strain, such as the unveiling of the new East London Line in May or June next year.
He said: "I don't think there will be a four-car expansion. The Jubilee line expansion can deliver a capacity benefit and there's also the Crossrail project that will serve Canary Wharf. That rail work will provide the step change that east London needs."
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