Croxley rail link revived? (Watford to Croxley Link)

[melikepie]

I have seen news articles in recent weeks about plans to be looked at in reviving the disused rail line between Watford and Croxley Green. Indeed some feasibility studies have recently taken place. This is in a scheme known as the Watford to Croxley Link and whilst there is some talk of the Metropolitan line, it mainly concerns other alternatives although once speculation involves reviving the Watford to Aylesbury idea.

www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/abandoned-railway-line-between-croxley-6737731

www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/20001811.concerns-cost-watford-2-croxley-link-preliminary-work/

www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/19974730.plans-watford-2-croxley-transport-link-take-another-step/

www.watford.gov.uk/news/article/128/plans-to-explore-watford-to-croxley-link-take-step-forward

[rincew1nd]

I'll believe it when someone pays for it.

[croxleyn]

Please see the comprehensive review that Herts County Council commissioned for the West of Watford Transport options:
Metropolitan Line Extension Alternatives
They have considered a tram from Watford to Cassiobridge, but not looked at the possible through connection to Rickmansworth (bay platform remnants) via the North Curve. To keep costs as low as possible (still not affordable these days) the track could leave the old bed at Cassiobridge, then use street running as far as Croxley station via the car park. The most expensive bit would be re-arranging the switches for the Rickmansworth station approach.

But, how much use would it get? Possibly more when East-West rail is eventually linked to Marylebone via Aylesbury. Still belongs in the FRIPAS section, unfortunately...

[AndrewS]

Coincidentally there are local elections in Watford in May.

Actually a short branch probably achieves the bulk of the advantages of the full Met extension for a fraction of the cost.  When I was involved in looking at possible fares for the Croxley link we concluded that joureny times meant that most people heading for central London would go via Watford High St/Junction anyway.  Numbers wanting to travel between Watford and the Harrow area will be relatively low given that Watford residents have most of the facilities of Harrow Town Centre in their own area.  That really just leaves the mythical Watford-Aylesbury traffic.

It's not going to happen.