Woolwich Elizabeth Line Station Lacks Traffic for Second Entrance Experts Reveal
Recent reports from Greenwich Council’s planning officers indicate that Woolwich’s Elizabeth Line station does not have sufficient passenger traffic to warrant a second entrance. Despite ongoing complaints about overcrowding, particularly on platforms, the officers concluded that the level of usage does not justify an additional access point.
Traffic Analysis and Passenger Behavior
The issue with crowding is primarily attributed to a significant number of passengers disembarking from trains at the escalator-adjacent carriages. This information emerged from surveys conducted by Transport for London (TfL) in late 2024, which focused on peak travel times.
- Passenger volume during peak hours is estimated between 8,600 and 9,600.
- Forecasts for Woolwich station had predicted 11,000 alighters by 2026, indicating a shortfall in actual passengers.
Proposed Developments at Woolwich Station
Discussion regarding the lack of a second entrance comes in the context of a new development plan, which involves constructing 575 homes atop the eastern end of the station. This development, known as Armourer’s Court, includes:
- Two towers, each with 26 storeys, making them the tallest in Woolwich.
- Incorporation of social housing, with 138 homes designated for social rent and 49 for shared ownership.
- An emergency exit for the station within the new project.
Greenwich’s planning board is set to review these proposals next Tuesday. An earlier version of the plans received approval in December 2022, shortly following the opening of the Elizabeth Line. However, changes were made due to updated fire safety regulations.
Concerns and Council Response
Several objections have arisen regarding the absence of a second entrance. Previous trials to manage queuing instances during service disruptions yielded queues of up to one minute during peak hours. However, council officials indicated that the overall capacity of the station remains adequate, even amid service interruptions.
According to planning documentation, approximately 50% of passengers exit trains from the carriages closest to the escalators. This figure is higher than the 38% initially projected in designs.
Funding and Future Prospects
Woolwich station’s initial planning did not include this facility, reflecting a lack of support from both central and local governments. Consequently, responsibility for the station’s construction fell to Greenwich Council and Berkeley Homes, with the council covering a £15 million contribution last year.
As development continues in Woolwich and nearby Plumstead, the council has expressed potential support for a second entrance should TfL pursue the initiative. Nonetheless, the current outlook suggests that Woolwich station will maintain its single entrance, supplemented by an emergency exit included in the new Armourer’s Court development.
