JUNE 2018 | MANE RAIL & INFRASTRUCTURE | 3
Crossrail UPDATE
Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, have begun to talk about extending the new Elizabeth line into Kent, east of Abbey Wood. This would mean an extension of 28km of Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet with multiple options to stop at stations in Dartford and Bexley.
Will Crossrail be extended further?
Elizabeth Line train has successful test run through new tunnels
A major milestone occurred earlier this year when the first new Elizabeth line train was tested in the brand new tunnels in Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
Testing of the railway and signalling infrastructure will ensure services are safe and reliable in time for the opening in December of this year. This is the first of hundreds of test runs that will take place throughout the year. The first train to be driven in the tunnels comes as construction reaches its final stages.
Howard Smith, Operations Director for the Elizabeth line, said: “This is a huge milestone for the project, nine years after construction first began. I’m thrilled to see the first train make its maiden voyage from Abbey Wood through the brand new tunnels. (Courtesy www.crossrail.co.uk)
Construction of Crossrail is now in the final stages
Work is underway to put the final touches on the stations of the Elizabeth Line. London's newest railway will open this December after nine years of construction. Fit-out of the stations is progressing as Crossrail prepares to handover the completed infrastructure to Transport for London prior to opening. TfL will lead the railway's testing and commissioning phase ahead of December this year.
Andrew Wolstenholme, Chief Executive, Crossrail, said: “After almost a decade of hard work from tens of thousands of men and women across the country, the construction of the Elizabeth line has entered its final stages.”
Howard Smith, Operations Director for the Elizabeth line, said: “Seeing our striking new stations take shape is an extremely exciting time for all involved in the historic Elizabeth line project. We look forward to opening these dynamic new spaces to Londoners and visitors when we launch the railway in nine months’ time.”
(Courtesy www.crossrail.co.uk)