The first new Elizabeth line train was tested in the Crossrail brand new tunnels through London, from Abbey Wood station, entering new tunnels at Plumstead Portal. The train travelled under the Thames heading for Connaught Tunnel before returning to Abbey Wood station.
Rigorous testing of the railway and signalling infrastructure will begin to ensure services are safe and reliable for the opening in 10 months’ time. This is the first of hundreds of test runs that will take place throughout the year.
“The start of infrastructure testing is a major milestone moment. The Crossrail programme is now over 90% complete and this heralds the start of our works to bring together the new stations, track, power, signalling and trains ahead of the Elizabeth line opening in December,” Andrew Wolstenholme, Chief Executive, Crossrail, said.
Also, in February, Crossrail Limited successfully activated the 25kV overhead lines in a section of the tunnels beneath the streets of London, a landmark moment that ensured this first journey could take place. One train will initially be used for testing in the tunnels before more are gradually introduced. A significant amount of work continues to complete all stations on the route as well as bringing together the complicated interfaces between track, power, signalling and trains.
Starting December 2018, services through central London will begin, with three separate services operating from Paddington to Abbey Wood, Paddington (main line station) to Heathrow and Liverpool Street (main line station) to Shenfield.
In the spring of 2019, direct services will operate from Paddington to Shenfield and Paddington to Abbey Wood. Services from Paddington to Heathrow will continue to start and terminate in the main line station. At the end of 2019, the Elizabeth line will fully open, with services running from Reading and Heathrow in the west through the central tunnels to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.
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