Crossrail Ltd has announced that the opening of Elizabeth line is postponed from December 2018 to autumn 2019. The revised schedule is needed to complete the final infrastructure and extensive testing required to ensure the Elizabeth line opens as a safe and reliable railway.
“We have made huge progress with the delivery of this incredible project but we need further time to complete the testing of the new railway. We are working around the clock with our supply chain and Transport for London to complete and commission the Elizabeth line,” Simon Wright, Crossrail Chief Executive said.
Crossrail Ltd has been working to maintain the programme and sufficient testing time is required to introduce the next phase of the railway, the central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood, in a way that can be guaranteed to be safe and reliable.
The original programme for testing has been compressed by more time being needed by contractors to complete fit-out activity in the central tunnels and the development of railway systems software. Testing has started but further time is required to complete the full range of integrated tests.
The focus remains on opening the full Elizabeth line, from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, as soon after the central tunnels open as possible, Crossrail says.
The Elizabeth line will add 10 per cent to central London’s rail capacity, and the project will boost the economy by an estimated £42bn.
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