Crossrail has revealed several new images as efforts are increased to complete outstanding works in order to commence Trial Running as soon as possible next year.
The work is being supported by a 6-week construction blockade to complete critical works in the routeway. It has been as progressing well with around 1,000 items of work already completed along with systems testing and assurance needed.
There are currently up to 2,000 people now back on site and 24/7 working in place.
The update comes after it was revealed last month that the central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood will be ready to open in the first half of 2022 and the whole project could be up to £1.1bn above the Financing Package agreed in December 2018.
In an update to the London Assembly Transport Committee, Mark Wild CEO at Crossrail said: “We have a comprehensive plan to complete the railway and we are striving to commence intensive operational testing for the Elizabeth line, known as Trial Running, at the earliest opportunity.
“The Crossrail board, sponsors and TfL are currently working together to review governance arrangements to make sure the right decisions are taken as the project moves to completion, and that we successfully transition the operational railway to TfL as soon as possible.”
In the letter Mark says there may be an opportunity to review and bring forward the opening of the central section, subject to progress during the intensive operational testing phase. According to current plans, there is the possibility the central section will open without Bond Street station, but they are working hard to improve on this.
Mark said: “It is disappointing that we are not able to open the railway next summer, but everyone remains focused on continuing to deliver this railway. Work continues on all elements of this complex project and since I last wrote we continue to make progress.
“Recent progress, particularly surrounding the shafts and portals, has demonstrated high levels of performance across the project. As a result of this progress and the detailed and comprehensive planning work which took place following the COVID lockdown, we are confident in the programme.
“To help recover some of the lost time, Crossrail is undertaking a period of intensive construction activity during August and September to complete the remaining construction works in the routeway for Trial Running. The construction blockade is progressing well and achieving targeted levels of productivity. During the blockade, we are also progressing Routeway Integration Testing, completion of the scenario testing for Trial Running.”
Following the completion of the blockade this month, Crossrail will commence testing of the next evolution of the signalling software, TR2, helping to build operational reliability.
Photo credit: Crossrail
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