Elizabeth line on the right track

Victoria Dock portal headhouse

New footage and images have been released from Crossrail highlighting the progress on the Elizabeth line.

The first views of the new trains being tested under London show how work on one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects is reaching its culmination before the line opens in December.

Final stages on the project will see all the platform screen doors installed with testing currently underway, installation of the overhead power equipment in the tunnels is complete and the new stations are being fitted out with remaining architectural finishes and mechanical and electrical equipment.

Train testing is underway between Abbey Wood and Canary Wharf, ensuring the line’s new automatic train control system which operates in the central section of the route is in order. Overhead power equipment has successfully brought the remaining section between Westbourne Park and Stepney on line, meaning the Elizabeth line tunnels are now fully energised.

Simon Wright, Crossrail Chief Executive & Programme Director said: “Construction of the Elizabeth line is now in its final stages with a huge effort underway to complete and commission this fantastic new railway. Significant progress continues to made with station fit-out heading towards completion, installation of platform screen doors complete, electrical equipment being switched on and train testing in the tunnels underway.”

Mark Wild, Managing Director of London Underground and the Elizabeth line, said: “With just seven months to go until the opening of the Elizabeth line, which will transform travel across the city, it’s great to see testing ramping up beneath the streets of London. The brand new trains that will provide better, quicker and more comfortable journeys for hundreds of thousands of people each day are now running through the tunnels at speeds of up to 60mph. Much more hard work is still to be done on completing stations, testing signalling and training staff. This is now underway to ensure that people can enjoy the Elizabeth line for the first time in December.”

Watch the trains being tested here.

New images include:

North Woolwich headhouse

North Woolwich headhouse:  A series of shafts and headhouses at various points along the Elizabeth line provide access to the tunnels for firefighting and general maintenance as well as tunnel ventilation and drainage.

Paddington Station

Class 345 train at Paddington: Transport for London have taken over the Heathrow Connect services between Paddington and Heathrow terminals 2/3 and 4, and the half hourly Great Western Railway (GWR) services from Paddington which terminate at Hayes & Harlington.

Tottenham Court Road station: The western ticket hall on Dean Street in Soho is nearing completion, with glazing, flooring and lights now installed. A gap in the panelling has been left for a new digital screen that will contain a bespoke artwork by Turner Prize winner Douglas Gordon. 

Tottenham Court Road station