New Crossrail Maps Show Which Parts Will Open First

City AM
By City AM Last edited 74 months ago

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New Crossrail Maps Show Which Parts Will Open First
Source: TfL

In December, TfL revealed its updated Tube map for the Elizabeth line once the Crossrail project wraps up.

But with phasing of the project occurring until the full line is open, certain parts will be in operation at various times before the full railway is in action in December 2019.

So, TfL has provided some handy maps to show what will be running at each stage of the process, after the first milestone saw the first Elizabeth Line train enter passenger service between Liverpool Street main line and Shenfield in June.

Elizabeth Line timeline

  • Stage one: Trains start operating from Liverpool Street to Shenfield — June 2017 (TfL Rail)
  • Stage two: Trains start operating from Heathrow to Paddington (main line platforms) — May 2018 (TfL Rail)
  • Stage three: Trains start operating from Paddington (Elizabeth line platforms) to Abbey Wood, through the new central tunnels — December 2018
  • Stage four: Trains start operating from Paddington (Elizabeth line platforms) to Shenfield — May 2019
  • Stage five: Full through service (including Elizabeth line services to Reading) — December 2019

Stage two: May 2018

New class 345 rolling stock introduced on TfL Rail services Paddington - Heathrow:

Source: TfL (click here for larger version)

Stage three: December 2018

Elizabeth line opens with services running Liverpool Street - Shenfield; Paddington - Heathrow; Paddington - Abbey Wood:

Source: TfL (click here for larger version)

Stage four: May 2019

Elizabeth line through services extend to Shenfield:

Source: TfL (click here for larger version)

Stage five: December 2019

Elizabeth line fully open with services running between Reading and Heathrow and Abbey Wood and Shenfield:

Source: TfL (click here for larger version)

And here's how it will look among the rest of the network:

Source: TfL (click here for larger version)

TfL says the £14.8bn project is on track to be delivered on time and within budget, though London's transport commissioner has said it faces "increasing cost and schedule pressures".

Issues have included Whitechapel station works being completed later than budgeted, as well as delayed works at Woolwich station.

The next big milestone of TfL Rail services starting between Paddington and Heathrow in May is also under pressure due to troubles with train software.

The railway is set to open from December 2018 in phases, and will then be known as the Elizabeth line when the central tunnels under London are open.

This article originally appeared on City AM.

Last Updated 24 January 2018