Crossrail tunnelling to complete this spring

Crossrail Ltd 2014 Crossrail’s major tunnelling works are set to conclude in the spring with the focus shifting towards the huge task of fitting-out new tunnels and stations, according to their press office.

The programme is now over 60% complete after eight 1,000 tonne tunnelling machines having bored over 39 kilometres of new 6.2m wide rail tunnels under London.

Construction is also advancing on the ten new Crossrail stations and on works above ground west of Paddington and east of Stratford. Over 10,000 people are currently working on Crossrail, including nearly 400 apprentices, with the project at peak rate of construction.

On 31 May this year the rail services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield will join the TfL transport network. This will be the first phase of the introduction of Crossrail, which will be fully integrated with TfL services.

Crossrail chief executive Andrew Wolstenholme said: “Crossrail is being delivered on time and within budget.

“While we are over 60% complete there is still a huge amount of work to be undertaken as the challenge shifts to the complicated and substantial task of fitting out the stations and tunnels with the necessary systems and equipment to enable Crossrail services to operate.”

Mike Brown MVO, managing director of London Rail, said: “While construction is forging ahead the first steps towards opening London’s new rail line will happen as rail services between Liverpool Street and Shenfield become part of the TfL network this spring.

“This is another step in our transformation of rail services across the capital as we work to support London’s economic growth and meet the demands of the city’s rapidly growing population.”

The Government, the Mayor of London and TfL are investing in Crossrail and other transport infrastructure to support access to jobs, education, housing and to boost economic growth.

Over the course of the project, it is estimated that Crossrail and its supply chain will support the equivalent of 55,000 full time jobs across the country. More than 8,000 people have completed training at Crossrail’s Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy.

A total of 84,300 jobs were supported last year across the UK through TfL's investment programme and Crossrail. TfL and its suppliers have also created over 5,000 apprenticeship roles since April 2009.

London’s population is set to grow from 8.4 million today to around 10 million by 2030. Crossrail will add 10% capacity to London’s rail network. It will serve 40 stations, connecting Reading and Heathrow in the west with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east via central London.