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Crossrail unveils new pictures showing progress with tunnel fit-out work

Crossrail has today released new images showing the progress being made on installing the overhead catenary system as part of the tunnel fit-out for the new service.

Engineers are currently working around the clock to install the 2 x 25kV overhead traction power system to the tunnels.

The Elizabeth Line rolling stock will draw power in the tunnels from the rigid overhead catenary system’s aluminium alloy conductor bar, which houses copper contact wire. Each bar is being installed in 10 metre sections along the tunnels.

Under central London the main power supply in the tunnels will come from two new bulk supply points and their associated autotransformer feeder stations which are being built at each end of the new railway, alongside new autotransformer sites in east and south-east London.

It is expected that more than 1,500km of cable will be used to supply power, lighting and ventilation to the new railway.

Today’s new images come after the DfT confirmed that Crossrail remained on budget and was sticking to its aim of fully opening by December 2018.

Part of the line is already open between Shenfield in Essex and Liverpool Street in central London, and last month, it was also announced that the first of the new Elizabeth Line trains had entered service, with a further 10 to be rolled out on the network by autumn.

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