It seems the Delivery of the cross-London rail service – CrossRail (or what is formally known as The Elizabeth Line) has now been delayed until Autumn 2019
TfL Rail CrossRail train at London Liverpool Street station – image, Economy Class and Beyond
According to CrossRail Ltd (who are delivering the line), 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.
The line will be opened initially as three separate services:
- Paddington (Elizabeth line station) to Abbey Wood via central London
- Paddington (mainline station) to Heathrow (Terminals 2, 3 and 4)
- Liverpool Street (mainline station) to Shenfield
CrossRail are still focusing on the opening of the full route between Reading and Heathrow, through to Shenfield and Abbey Wood – however, it seems the original timeline is now well and truly our of the window.
On the delay, Simon Wright, Crossrail Chief Executive said:
“The Elizabeth line is one of the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK and is now in its final stages. 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.”
Whilst train testing and commissioning of the new Class 345 trains that will operate on the Elizabeth Line continues, there is still plenty of work to get the new rail line open.
And infrastructure isn’t easy sadly.
At Economy Class and Beyond – we’ll be keeping a close eye on the CrossRail delay and impact it will have – least of all to passengers coming into London Heathrow, and needing to connect to the heart of London (as opposed to the west of the city).
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