Latest update on TfL's major revamp of Pontoon Dock DLR station to make it better for passengers

Following planning approval from Newham Council in 2024, Pontoon Dock Station is getting six new escalators and a mezzanine level to help reduce queuing, improve journey times during busy times and cater for future passenger demand.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands work is expected to start in summer 2026 and will see improvements completed by summer 2028. Currently passengers can only access the station by taking the lifts or using the stairs, which consist of 80 steps in total.

According to a TfL report, around 51per cent of passengers use the lifts to get to the platforms as the station is situated well above street level and creates issues for those who can’t use the stairs and rely on step-free access. The station is also situated very close to the Silvertown Quays development which is in the heart of the Royal Docks and once complete will deliver 6,500 homes.

The development is a major regeneration project which is transforming a 60-acre site in the Docklands and is expected to cost around £3.5billion in total. TfL estimates the development will see a huge 415per cent increase in passengers using the station and suggested the station would be ‘insufficient’ in supporting the project without the upgrade.

In total the station revamp is expected to cost £43.9million though an additional £1.1m has been set aside for any possible contingencies. TfL has praised the project for being ‘excellent value for money’ and said by 2041 the station is expected to make £2.6m per year in additional fare revenue.

The upgrade will also see new shopping space pop up around the station as well as new landscaping which aims to improve the public realm. TfL estimates that the new shops surrounding the station could bring in around £40,000 per year in income.