The much-delayed opening of Bond Street's Elizabeth line platforms is now set for 24 October, says TfL.
The platforms should have opened with the rest of the line, originally set for 2018, then repeatedly delayed until May 2022. But early construction issues at Bond Street took longer to overcome than anticipated, and only now are we looking at a firm, non-vague, official opening date.
So, 24 October it is, then. The date comes two weeks before the other big day for the Elizabeth line. 6 November 2022 will see the service extend to 7 days a week (it's currently closed on Sundays). In addition, the central core section will be coupled up to the Heathrow and Shenfield branches, allowing through-services for the first time.
Of course, the platforms will be vast, shiny and impressive, just like all the other central stations on the line. The one distinguishing feature to look out for is artwork by British artist Darren Almond, which takes the form of recast heritage railway signage.
And it's good to see Bond and Elizabeth sharing the spotlight again, after their crowd-pleasing partnership at the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Images courtesy TfL.
