Crossrail surface works reach halfway point

Network Rail have announced that they are half way through delivering the £2.3Bn Crossrail investment programme on time and to budget.

Network Rail are in charge of design, development and delivery of parts of the Crossrail that are on the existing network. Three quarters of the Crossrail route runs above ground on existing rail network through outer London, Berkshire and Essex. They are adding 30 miles of new track on key parts of the network, and a new diveunder tunnel beneath the railway at Acton. The installation of a modernised signalling system will allow services to run more reliably.

There will be complete rebuilds for nine stations to provide new, spacious, bright ticket halls. The improvements, which are across a total of 29 stations, includes the delivery of more than 40 lifts and platform extensions at 16 stations to accommodate longer trains.

The plans also include electrifying the Great Western Main Line in west London and Berkshire to create a new, greener and more reliable electric train.

Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail Chief Executive, said: “While much of the focus has been on the tunnels and new stations in central London, Network Rail has been working hard to make sure that the existing railway is ready for Crossrail. This crucial work on Crossrail’s surface section will deliver major benefits for passengers and help to transform many of the areas through which the route will run.”

Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “The vast improvements on the existing rail network go hand-in-hand with the impressive tunnelled sections. Together they will create a transformational rail link that will bring better and faster journeys for passengers across London and beyond from 2018, boosting jobs and economic growth.”

The total funding available to deliver Crossrail is £14.8Bn, and will add 10% capacity to London’s rail network by 2018.

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