The collapse of Railtrack will not stall the planned tube extension into south London, The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has said.

Battersea MP Martin Linton has sought assurances from the failed company that upgrade work on tracks needed for the extension will not be delayed.

A spokesman for the SRA said expressions of interest were being invited for companies hoping to sign a 30-year contract for the design, construction and maintenance of the new line.

The spokesman added Railtrack is involved in the extension only in as much as the new line will be joined to its existing tracks.

December 3, 2001 18:00