26.02.18
‘Milestone moment’ as Elizabeth Line train makes successful debut in new tunnels
The first of the Elizabeth Line trains made its debut journey on Crossrail’s new south east London tunnels last night.
With 10 months to go until the line officially launches, the new train represents the first journey to leave Abbey Wood as part of the Elizabeth Line.
The Class 345 EMU travelled from its start point through new tunnels at Plumstead Portal and continued under the Thames heading for Connaught Tunnel before returning to Abbey Wood.
It follows the energisation of the line by Crossrail engineers earlier this month, an event which had been pushed back from November of last year following electrical failures.
Andrew Wolstenholme, chief executive of Crossrail, said: “The start of infrastructure testing is a major milestone moment. It’s testament to the men and women who have, and continue to, work tirelessly on the project that we are now welcoming the first Elizabeth line train that’s powered by the new overhead lines, into the tunnels.
“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."
This first journey signals the beginning of more rigorous testing across most of the Elizabeth Line, with one train initially used to test for any issues before more stock is introduced.
Rail minister Jo Johnson said the journey was a “milestone moment” in the Crossrail project, which is expected to see 200 million passengers each year once it is launched.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: “This is a hugely exciting moment in the construction of the Elizabeth Line. Everyone involved in Europe’s largest infrastructure project has done a wonderful job and it’s thanks to their hard work that we are another key step closer to running our first passenger service.
“When it opens later this year, the Elizabeth Line is going to transform travel across London and the South East, helping to improve the lives of millions of Londoners, stimulating much needed housing development across the capital, and providing a huge boost to our economy.”
Howard Smith, operations director for the Elizabeth Line, also commented: “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.
“Crucial testing is now underway to validate the safety and reliability of the Elizabeth line ahead of the launch. We look forward to welcoming customers onto our new railway this December, when their experience of travelling across London will be transformed for the better.”
The Elizabeth Line is set for a phased introduction beginning in December of this year, when services between Paddington and both Abbey Wood and Heathrow will begin alongside other services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield.
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