Crossrail counting down to start of central section trials

Crossail Ltd has confirmed that six steps need to be completed ahead of the start of trial running along its central section,

It aims to begin trial running on the Paddington-Abbey Wood section early in 2021, ahead of passenger services beginning in the following year (although there are still hopes that they could begin next year).

However, to reach the start of trial running, it needs to:

Complete the handover of shafts and portals to Transport for London.

Complete dynamic testing of the signalling and trains (performing as if in service).

Complete integration testing across the route.

Gain certification for the central section stations to be ready to support trial running.

Hand over the section to TfL. Complete the safety and assurance process for the railway and obtain regulatory approval from the Office of Rail and Road to start trial running.

Crossrail said much of the central section infrastructure is complete, with fitting-out nearly complete at most stations. All shafts and portals have reached either the full handover stage or are very close.

Crossrail also confirmed that more software updates are required for the Class 345s operating TfL Rail services between Shenfield and London Liverpool Street, and London PaddingtonHeathrow Airport/Reading.