08.05.17
Upgrades completed on GEML for Elizabeth Line trains
Work has been completed to upgrade the Great Eastern Main Line between Shenfield and Liverpool Street in preparation for the Elizabeth Line.
The completion of the works means that a reduced rail service will now be run from Brentwood to Shenfield on weekdays, and a full service at weekends. Since January, services had been terminating at Brentwood to allow workers to deliver the work.
Engineers have increased the capacity of the railway at Shenfield to cater for the higher frequency of services that will be provided once the Elizabeth Line extends from Essex and through central tunnels in 2019.
A new platform (Platform 6) has been built at Shenfield, which will be dedicated to the new service. Three new sidings have also been constructed that are capable of accommodating the new trains.
Work has also been done to add over 5,000 metres of track and 26 new switches, as well as upgrades to signals and overhead powerlines to reduce the risk of delay for passengers.
Further work will continue along the route, including the installation of new lifts at Maryland, Manor Park and Seven Kings and the completion of the Ilford sidings where trains will be stabled.
Howard Smith, TfL’s operations director of TfL Rail, said: “The new platform and other works at Shenfield station will benefit both regular commuters and those travelling further afield. This marks another milestone in the delivery of the new railway.
“Our customers using TfL Rail will be the first to use our new trains, which will travel between Shenfield and Liverpool Street in preparation for Elizabeth line services in December 2018.”
The completion of the Great Eastern Main Line works follow a number of other key developments for Crossrail as RTM reported that services on the new line would begin this month.
Last week, work to prepare Abbey Wood station also took a major step forward. And before that, Crossrail unveiled striking images of the ceiling designs at Farringdon and Liverpool Street stations.
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