WORK is under way to assess the feasibility of extending Croydon's popular tramline to Crystal Palace.

If studies prove positive, a two-mile extension will be built to join Crystal Palace up with East Croydon.

The extension is part of Mayor of London Ken Livingstone's London-wide Transport Strategy announced in July.

The line will run alongside existing tram track to Harrington Road, Birkbeck, where new track will be built alongside rail track to Crystal Palace.

Transport for London, the body assigned with the task of improving London's public transport system, will have details of feasibility by Christmas.

It will make a public announcement in early spring.

If feasibility studies prove positive and building plans are consented, then work will start in 2004.

In the Mayor's strategy he highlighted the Tramlink needed to give better integration with other transport services.

Work will be done to link the tramline with the British Rail station, bus station and new East London line extension.

Spokesman for Transport for London Scott Macintosh said: “We are looking at using the railway corridor which will minimise inconvenience to local residents.

“Our main considerations are ease of accessibility and damage to the surrounding environment, with special consideration for the intrinsic value of the park which must be maintained.”

Dave Chilver head of Bromley's traffic engineering said: “We are actively promoting the link. There are major benefits to be achieved from the Tramlink being extended to Crystal Palace.

“For one, it will get people out of their cars which is good for the environment and helps to decongest the roads.”

Tramlink currently has three lines running to Wimbledon, Beckenham and Addington Village.

It was opened in May 2000 and has proved popular. Each tram on the current 18 miles of track is able to carry more than 200 people.