The extension of the Metropolitan tube line to Watford Junction station moved a step closer to realisation today.

Two schemes developed by Hertfordshire County Council were backed by the East of England regional Assembly's Regional Planning Panel, and the assembly will now advise the Department of Transport to fund them both.

It is hoped the plans - the £162 million Croxley Rail Link and the £38 million Watford Junction Interchange - will reduce congestion and boost Watford's economy.

Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said: “I’m delighted that the regional assembly will be pushing the Government to fund these schemes. We need to invest in our transport infrastructure if we’re going to support our economy and reduce congestion.

“The Department for Transport bases its funding decisions on the regional advice, so we’re optimistic that we’ll get the go-ahead and that the line can open in 2017.”

The £162 million Croxley Rail Link scheme will see the Metropolitan Line re-routed and extended to Watford Junction, where it will meet Network Rail services.

Tube trains will run from Watford Junction to Central London every ten minutes, the County Council said.

New stations would be also opened at Ascot Road and Watford West, with improvements made to existing stations at Watford High Street and Watford Junction.

The £38 million Watford Junction Station Interchange scheme involves a major redevelopment of the station.

The station will get more drop-off points, easier pedestrian access and better bus and coach facilities. New car parks will be built along with a new link road.