LEYTON: Station capacity to double (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

LEYTON: Station capacity to double

5:22pm Tuesday 13th September 2011 in Waltham Forest News By Ima Jackson-Obot

Michael Polledri, Chris Robbins, Peter Hendy at Leyton tube

THE capacity of Leyton Tube station will be doubled under plans to deal with the influx of visitors to the Olympics.

There were concerns that the High Road station would not be able to cope with the surge in numbers expected next year.

But an agreement has now been reached to enhance exits and entrances on both sides of the station.

In addition to the current exit, new access to the street will be created from the westbound platform on to Goodall Road.

Two extra exits will be created from the eastbound platform when needed.

The changes come after talks between Waltham Forest Council, Transport for London (TfL), the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).

The ODA provided the £200,000 funding for the work, which is set to take place in February next year.

Council leader Chris Robbins said, “There will obviously be a large rise in visitors to both London and the borough during the Games. It is important that all transport services work to full capacity during the Olympics and Paralympics, but also that Leyton benefits from the legacy of the Games.”

Michael Polledri, chairman of the Waltham Forest Business Board, said: “These improvements will be of great benefit to both the residents of Leyton and the businesses in the area.”

Peter Hendy. TfL Commissioner, said, “The new improvements at Leyton Tube station will double its capacity and leave a transport legacy Londoners will benefit from for years to come. Given the station’s proximity to the Olympic Park the additional capacity will also compliment the transport hubs in the area during Games time.”

CCTV and new public address systems will also be installed.