Network Rail’s Crossrail station enhancement works “largely complete” and Trial Operations could start next month

The Chief Executive Officer of Crossrail says it has been another important month for the project as it remains on track to open the railway in the first half of 2022.

In an update to the London Assembly Transport Committee Mark Wild says Trial Running of trains through the central tunnels has been in operation for several months with 12 trains per hour in regular operation.

This has recently been paused for a two-week blockade to allow for the vital commissioning of one of the last major configurations of the software.

The next phase of the programme will be Trial Operations, which involves the testing more than 150 real-time scenarios to ensure the readiness of the railway. This could commence in late November.

Eight of the ten central section stations are now under the responsibility of Transport for London (TfL), with Mr Wild saying they are now focussing on the handover of Canary Wharf and the completion of the works at Bond Street.

Commenting on the surface stations he said: “Following the completion of station works at Hayes & Harlington last month, Network Rail’s station enhancement works on the west are largely complete.

“Enhanced station upgrade works are progressing in the east at Ilford and Romford. The glass façade is now complete at Ilford and lift cars have also been installed at both sites.

“The target for entry into service of both the new station buildings is February 2022 and Network Rail continues to monitor this to drive performance.

“TfL is carrying out improvement works at Langley and Burnham stations on the west, separate to the Network Rail works, and these related works should be completed in the new year.”

Photo credit: Crossrail

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