Crossrail tunnel test
A “major milestone moment” as the first TfL Rail Class 345 runs under its own power into the new Crossrail tunnels.
The first TfL Rail Class 345 ran under its own power into the new Crossrail tunnels beneath London overnight on February 25/26.
The electric multiple unit (345021) was driven from Abbey Wood, entering the new tunnels at Plumstead and travelling under the River Thames to Connaught Tunnel (5.5 kilometres, according to Crossrail), before returning to Abbey Wood station. It is the first of hundreds of planned test trips this year.
The railway is currently energised from Abbey Wood to Connaught Tunnel and Pudding Mill Lane (near Stratford). Further testing is planned, including a full shadow service later this summer, with up to 24 trains per hour running.
“The start of infrastructure testing is a major milestone moment. It’s testament to the men and women who have worked 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,” said Crossrail Chief Executive Andrew Wolstenholme.
“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,” he added.
“This is a huge milestone for the project, nine years after construction first began,” said Elizabeth Line Operations Director Howard Smith. He explained that testing is now under way to validate the safety and reliability of the line, ahead of the planned launch of trains running through central London in December.
“The Elizabeth Line is going to transform travel across London and the South East, helping to improve the lives of millions of Londoners, stimulating muchneeded housing development across the capital, and providing a huge boost to our economy,” said Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Rail Minister Jo Johnson called the trip a milestone moment in one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK.
Transport for London confirmed on February 26 that the overhead line electrification was energised earlier this month.
It said that initially one ‘345’ will be used for testing, but more will be gradually introduced. Full shadow running is expected this summer.