Transport for London (TfL) has formally begun Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) for the proposed Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Thamesmead Extension (TEX), a major infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding east London’s transport network and unlocking significant housing and economic growth.

The extension would consist of a roughly 3 km cross-river route from the existing DLR at Gallions Reach through Beckton Riverside to Thamesmead, enhancing connectivity across the River Thames and supporting regeneration in under-served parts of the capital.

Project Scope & Design
The early scope outlined by TfL includes:

• A tie-in connection to the existing DLR East Route, including a grade-separated junction and viaduct dropping toward Beckton Riverside.
• A new station at Beckton Riverside, positioned in the heart of planned redevelopment.
• A twin-bore tunnel of approximately 1.5 km under the Thames.
• A new DLR station at Thamesmead.
• A turnback siding west of the extension to allow future service increases on both the new branch and the existing East Route.

This alignment not only provides a strategic rail connection but also forms part of broader plans to support up to 25,000–30,000 new homes and as many as 10,000 jobs in the area — bringing economic and social benefits alongside improved transport access.

Market Engagement Objectives
TfL’s PME is designed to gather insight and expertise from industry suppliers, contractors, designers, and potential delivery partners. The aim is to shape the procurement and delivery model for the TEX programme, with a focus on:

• Buildability and constructability feedback.
• Input on concept design, phasing, packaging, and sequencing of works.
• Advice on suitable contractual and commercial arrangements for key work packages.
• Identifying innovation opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and improve whole-life costs through a new delivery approach involving early contractor involvement.

TfL has noted that the PME may include multiple activities such as Supplier Industry Days, a Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ), and potential one-to-one follow-up sessions with respondents judged to have relevant experience.

Supplier Industry Day & Registration
A Supplier Industry Day is scheduled for 25 February 2026 in London, offering an opportunity for interested organisations to engage directly with TfL representatives on the project’s scope and expectations. Attendees must first register through TfL’s e-Tendering portal (SAP Ariba) — with registration deadlines typically set in advance of the event.

Timeline & Cost
The Thamesmead Extension programme is planned to be phased, with construction currently targeted to begin in 2028, subject to full funding and approvals, and completion by around 2033.

The estimated project cost is approximately £1.62 billion including VAT, reflecting the significant scope of work required to deliver tunnelling, new stations, and associated systems.  For further information please visit the tunnelbuilder archive uk/107 and also https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008797-2026