Plans to bring a former railway line back to life are progressing – but it will still be a few months until we have a clearer idea of what scheme may be taken forward.

The Watford 2 Croxley Link (W2CL) is a transport proposal being explored as a replacement for the defunct Metropolitan Line Extension (MLX).

The MLX would have seen the Met Line extended from Croxley Green to Watford Junction but the project was pulled by London mayor Sadiq Khan in 2018.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that an alternative scheme – the W2CL - is being drawn up with planners determined to make use of a disused line running through west Watford and improve transport connectivity.

Read more: The new W2CL scheme lined up to replace MLX in Watford

Read more: What we know and don't know about W2CL

Watford Observer: The disused line is being safeguarded by Network Rail and Watford Borough Council in the hopes the land could be used to form a new transport link between Croxley Green, West Watford, and the town centre. Image: Watford Borough CouncilThe disused line is being safeguarded by Network Rail and Watford Borough Council in the hopes the land could be used to form a new transport link between Croxley Green, West Watford, and the town centre. Image: Watford Borough Council

The W2CL definitely won’t be an extension of the Met Line but various proposals are being explored - ranging from a more ambitious light rail or tramway to a bus link, cycleway, or footpath.

Watford Borough Council, which is working with Hertfordshire County Council and Three Rivers District Council on the project, says no decisions have been made yet on the mode of transport.

The latest update, announced this week, is that three transport consultancies have been given a total of £275,000 to come up with “innovative” concept ideas, which need to be “creative, deliverable, viable, and feasible”.

Designs will not be submitted until next spring – so that is when we should learn more about what type of transport scheme is being taken forward.

The step after that would be to draw up a business case to take to Government to secure funding.

Watford Observer: The proposed Met Line Extension, which was scrapped by London mayor Sadiq Khan in 2018. Transport for London is involved 'informally' on the W2CL schemeThe proposed Met Line Extension, which was scrapped by London mayor Sadiq Khan in 2018. Transport for London is involved 'informally' on the W2CL scheme

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “I am determined to make this connection a reality for the benefit of our residents and local businesses. Bringing this line back into use will help cut congestion in Watford and I’m looking forward to seeing the solutions put forward.”

Watford Observer: Watford mayor Peter TaylorWatford mayor Peter Taylor

West Watford county councillor Nigel Bell says he is supportive of the W2CL, saying a new transport link is “desperately needed” particularly because of the amount of development in his ward. He says he is keen to learn more about some of the ideas that have already been mooted.

Phil Bibby, who is the councillor in charge of transport at the county council, says other transport options are also being explored such as the HERT and upgrading the Abbey line.

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