Crossrail#Tunnel boring machines

{{Main|History of the Crossrail project}}

The concept of large-diameter tunnels crossing central London to connect Paddington in the west and Liverpool Street in the east was first proposed by railwayman George Dow in The Star newspaper in June 1941.{{cite book |title=Telling the Passenger Where to Get Off | last1 = Dow | first1 = Andrew |pages=52–55 |year=2005 |publisher=Capital Transport |location=London |isbn=978-1-85414-291-7}} The project that became Crossrail has origins in the 1943 County of London Plan and 1944 Greater London Plan by Patrick Abercrombie. These led to a specialist investigation by the Railway (London Plan) Committee, appointed in 1944 and reporting in 1946 and 1948.{{cite book |title=Rails Through The Clay |first1=Alan A. |last1=Jackson |first2=Desmond F. |last2=Croome |publisher=Allen & Unwin |year=1962 |pages=309–312 |oclc=55438 |location=London}}

The term "Crossrail" emerged in the 1974 London Rail Study Report.London Rail Study Report Part 2, pub. GLC/DoE 1974, page 87–88 Although the idea was seen as imaginative, only a brief estimate of cost was given: £300{{nbsp}}million. A feasibility study was recommended as a high priority so that the practicability and costs of the scheme could be determined. It was also suggested that the alignment of the tunnels should be safeguarded{{cite web |title=Safeguarding |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/safeguarding/# |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025152343/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/safeguarding/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 October 2010 |date=n.d. |access-date=6 July 2013 |publisher=Crossrail}}{{Cite Hansard | house=House of Commons | title=London Rail Study |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1974/dec/20/london-rail-study#column_2111 | date=20 December 1974 | column_start=2111 | column_end=2112 | access-date= 5 January 2023 | quote = A further recommendation which concerns the Minister, this time wearing his planning hat, is that contained in paragraph 7.11. It concerns safeguarding the alignment for the Chelsea-Hackney line, Crossrail, and other schemes, from encroachment by other developments. Maps 6, 7 and 8 show the routes of the proposed lines. Will the Minister take the proposed routes into account when he considers planning applications for offices and other developments in London? }} while a final decision was taken.

The Central London Rail Study of 1989 proposed tunnels linking the existing rail network as the "East–West Crossrail", "City Crossrail", and "North–South Crossrail" schemes. The east–west scheme was for a line from Liverpool Street to Paddington/Marylebone with two connections at its western end linking the tunnel to the Great Western Main Line and the Metropolitan line on the Underground. The City route was shown as a new connection across the City of London linking the Great Northern Route with London Bridge.

The north–south line proposed routing West Coast Main Line, Thameslink, and Great Northern trains through Euston and King's Cross/{{rws|St Pancras}}, then under the West End via {{lus|Tottenham Court Road}}, {{lus|Piccadilly Circus}} and Victoria towards {{rws|Crystal Palace}} and {{rws|Hounslow}}. The report also recommended a number of other schemes including a "Thameslink Metro" route enhancement, and the Chelsea–Hackney line. The cost of the east–west scheme including rolling stock was estimated at £885{{nbsp}}million.{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docsummary.php?docID=1294| title=Central London Rail Study |publisher=Department of Transport |author1=British Rail (Network SouthEast) |author2=London Regional Transport |author3=London Underground |pages=11–16; maps 3, 6 & 7 |date=January 1989}}

In 1991, a private bill was submitted to Parliament for a scheme including a new underground line from Paddington to Liverpool Street.{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docsummary.php?docID=1295 |title=Crossrail Bill |year=1991}} The bill was promoted by London Underground and British Rail, and supported by the government; it was rejected by the Private Bill Committee in 1994{{cite web |last1=Norris |first1=Steven |author-link=Steven Norris |date=20 June 1994 |title=Crossrail |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1994/jun/20/crossrail#S6CV0245P0_19940620_HOC_17 |access-date=13 August 2022 |work=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard) |quote=We were disappointed by the Private Bill Committee's decision not to find the preamble to the Crossrail Bill proved. |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708130910/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1994/jun/20/crossrail%23S6CV0245P0_19940620_HOC_17 |url-status=live }} on the grounds that a case had not been made, though the government issued "Safeguarding Directions", protecting the route from any development that would jeopardise future schemes.{{Cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldselect/ldcross/112/112.pdf|at=Chapter 1: Introduction: The History of Crossrail, page 8 |title=Select Committee on the Crossrail Bill : 1st Special Report of Session 2007–08: Crossrail Bill |volume=1: Report |publisher=House of Lords }}

In 2001, Cross London Rail Links (CLRL), a joint-venture between TfL and the Department for Transport (DfT), was formed to develop and promote the Crossrail scheme,{{cite web |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/company/sponsors-partners#.T7MQG-j7jIA |title=Sponsors and Partners |publisher=Crossrail |quote=Crossrail Limited is the company charged with delivering Crossrail. Formerly known as Cross London Rail Links (CLRL), it was created in 2001 [..] Established as a 50/50 joint venture company between Transport for London and the Department for Transport, Crossrail Limited became a wholly owned subsidiary of TfL on 5 December 2008 |access-date=16 May 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730184042/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/company/sponsors-partners%23.UBbVIago9Rx#.T7MQG-j7jIA |archive-date=30 July 2012 |url-status=dead }} and also a Wimbledon–Hackney scheme.

While CLRL was promoting the Crossrail project, alternative schemes were being proposed. In 2002, GB Railways put forward a scheme called SuperCrossRail which would link regional stations such as {{rws|Cambridge}}, {{rws|Guildford}}, {{rws|Oxford}}, {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}}, {{rws|Southend Victoria}} and {{rws|Ipswich}} via a west–east rail tunnel through central London. The tunnel would follow an alignment along the River Thames, with stations at {{rws|Charing Cross}}, {{rws|Blackfriars}} and {{rws|London Bridge}}. In 2004 another proposal named Superlink was promoted by a group of senior railway managers. Like SuperCrossRail, Superlink envisaged linking a number of regional stations via a tunnel through London, but advocated the route already safeguarded for Crossrail. CLRL evaluated both proposals and rejected them due to concerns about network capacity and cost issues.{{cite news|title=Rival cross-city rail plan aired|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4096667.stm|access-date=29 May 2018|publisher=BBC News|date=15 December 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529115055/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/4096667.stm|archive-date=29 May 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Landels |first1=John |title=SuperCrossrail and Superlink Update Report |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/80256B090053AF4C/Files/supercrossrailandsuperlink/$FILE/supercrossrail+and+superlink+update.pdf |publisher=Cross London Rail Links Limited |access-date=13 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018122440/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/80256B090053AF4C/Files/supercrossrailandsuperlink/$FILE/supercrossrail+and+superlink+update.pdf|archive-date=18 October 2007 |date=24 May 2005}}

The Crossrail Act 2008 was given royal assent in July 2008,{{cite web|url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/the-railway/getting-approval/parliamentary-bill |title=Crossrail Bill 2005 |publisher=Crossrail |access-date=30 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803115157/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/the-railway/getting-approval/parliamentary-bill |archive-date=3 August 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8358924.stm|title=Soho shops make way for Crossrail|date=13 November 2009|publisher=BBC News}} giving CLRL the powers necessary to build the line.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7707338.stm |title=Crossrail gets £230m BAA funding |publisher=BBC News |access-date=26 March 2010 |date=4 November 2008}} In September 2009, TfL was loaned £1{{nbsp}}billion towards the project by the European Investment Bank.{{Cite news |title=Crossrail project gets £1bn loan |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8242992.stm |date=7 September 2009}} Both Conservatives and Labour made commitments in their 2010 election manifestos to deliver Crossrail, and the coalition government following the election was committed to the project.{{Cite news |publisher=BBC News |title=New coalition government makes Crossrail pledge |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8683126.stm |date=15 April 2010 |access-date=19 May 2010}}

File:Crossrail Tunnel Royal Oak Portal Construction.jpg, July 2011]]

In April 2009, Crossrail announced that 17 firms had secured 'Enabling Works Framework Agreements' and would now be able to compete for packages of works.{{cite magazine | last1 = Owen | first1 = Ed |date=9 April 2009 |title=Crossrail enabling works frameworks announced |url=http://www.nce.co.uk/home/delivering-crossrail/crossrail-enabling-works-frameworks-announced/5200318.article |access-date=28 May 2014 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |publisher=EMap}} At the peak of construction up to 14,000 people were expected to be needed in the project's supply chain.{{cite web |title=Careers |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/company/careers/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310105426/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/company/careers/ |archive-date=10 March 2012 |access-date=9 March 2012 |publisher=Crossrail}}{{cite news |date=11 October 2007 |title=Crossrail pledges 14,000 jobs boom for Londoners |work=Evening Standard|location=London |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crossrail-pledges-14000-jobs-boom-for-londoners-6631029.html |access-date=28 May 2014}}

Work began on 15 May 2009 when piling works started at the future Canary Wharf station.{{Cite news |last1 = Gerrard | first1 = Neil |date=15 May 2009 |title=Work officially starts on Crossrail |work=Contract Journal |url=http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2009/05/15/67882/work-officially-starts-on-crossrail-photos.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517055909/http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2009/05/15/67882/work-officially-starts-on-crossrail-photos.html |archive-date=17 May 2009}}

The threat of diseases being released by work on the project was raised by Lord James of Blackheath at the passing of the Crossrail Bill. He told the House of Lords select committee that 682 victims of anthrax had been brought into Smithfield in Farringdon with some contaminated meat in 1520 and then buried in the area.{{cite web |year=2008 |title=House of Lords – Crossrail Bill Examination of Witnesses (Questions 12705–12719) |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldselect/ldcross/112/8050802.htm |access-date=24 June 2009 |publisher=UK Parliament}} On 24 June 2009 it was reported that no traces of anthrax or bubonic plague had been found on human bone fragments discovered during tunnelling.{{Cite news |date=24 June 2009 |title=No anthrax in Crossrail remains |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8116765.stm |access-date=24 June 2009}}

Invitations to tender for the two principal tunnelling contracts were published in the Official Journal of the European Union in August 2009. 'Tunnels West' (C300) was for twin {{convert|6.2|km|mi|adj=mid|-long|abbr=off}} tunnels from Royal Oak through to the new Crossrail Farringdon Station, with a portal west of Paddington. The 'Tunnels East' (C305) request was for three tunnel sections and 'launch chambers' in east London.{{Cite press release |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-tunnelling-contracts-advertised |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114122027/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-tunnelling-contracts-advertised |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 November 2011 |title=Crossrail tunnelling contracts advertised |publisher=Crossrail |date=25 August 2009 |access-date=9 March 2012}} Contracts were awarded in late 2010: the 'Tunnels West' contract was awarded to BAM Nuttall, Ferrovial Agroman and Kier Construction (BFK); the 'Tunnels East' contract was awarded to Dragados and John Sisk & Son.{{cite press release |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-awards-major-tunnelling-contracts-worth-125bn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227130124/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-awards-major-tunnelling-contracts-worth-125bn |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 February 2011 |title=Crossrail awards major tunnelling contracts worth £1.25bn |date=10 December 2010 |publisher=Crossrail}}{{cite news |date=16 April 2013 |title=Crossrail tunnel factory in Kent at full production |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-22168938 |access-date=28 May 2014}} The remaining tunnelling contract (C310, Plumstead to North Woolwich), which included a tunnel under the Thames, was awarded to Hochtief and J. Murphy & Sons in 2011.{{cite news |date=4 August 2011 |title=Hochtief and Vinci win last Crossrail tunnels |work=The Construction Index |url=http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/hochtief-and-vinci-win-last-crossrail-tunnels}}

By September 2009, preparatory work for the £1{{nbsp}}billion developments at {{stl|London Underground|Tottenham Court Road}} station had begun, with buildings (including the Astoria Theatre) being compulsorily purchased and demolished.{{Cite magazine |date=24 September 2009 |title=Crossrail station profile: Tottenham Court Road |magazine=New Civil Engineer |url=http://www.nce.co.uk/major-projects/crossrail/crossrail-station-profile-tottenham-court-road/5208703.article |access-date=30 December 2009}}

File:Crossrail construction TCR.jpg

In March 2010, contracts were awarded to civil engineering companies for the second round of 'enabling work' including 'Royal Oak Portal Taxi Facility Demolition', 'Demolition works for Crossrail Bond Street Station', 'Demolition works for Crossrail Tottenham Court Road Station' and 'Pudding Mill Lane Portal'.{{Cite magazine |date=16 March 2010 |title=Crossrail to awards second round of enabling contracts |magazine=New Civil Engineer |url=http://www.nce.co.uk/major-projects/crossrail/crossrail-to-awards-second-round-of-enabling-contracts/5215441.article |access-date=17 March 2010}} In December 2010, contracts were awarded for most of the tunnelling work.{{Cite news |date=13 December 2010 |title=Crossrail awards tunnelling contracts |work=Railway Gazette International |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/crossrail-awards-tunnelling-contracts.html |access-date=13 December 2010 |archive-date=13 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213063247/http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/crossrail-awards-tunnelling-contracts.html |url-status=dead }} To assist with the skills required for the Crossrail project, Crossrail opened in 2011 the Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy in Ilford.{{cite web |title=TfL takes on TUCA – Tunnelsonline.info p.23 March 2017 |date=23 March 2017 |url=http://www.tunnelsonline.info/news/tfl-takes-on-tuca-230317-5769436/ |access-date=2 May 2017}} The academy was handed over to TfL in 2017, who have sub-contracted its management to PROCAT.{{cite web |title=Tunnelling academy's future secured – The Construction Index p.14 March 2017 |url=http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/tunnelling-academys-future-secured |access-date=2 May 2017}}

In February 2010, Crossrail was accused of bullying residents whose property lay on the route into selling for less than the market value.{{Cite news | last1 = Bar-Hillel | first1 = Mira |date=10 February 2010 |title=Boris Johnson takes on the 'bullies' evicting residents to make way for Crossrail |newspaper=Evening Standard|location=London |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/boris-johnson-takes-on-the-bullies-evicting-residents-to-make-way-for-crossrail-6790984.html |access-date=10 February 2010}} A subsequent London Assembly report was highly critical of the insensitive way in which Crossrail had dealt with compulsory purchases and the lack of assistance given to the people and businesses affected.{{cite web |date=23 February 2010 |title=Light at the end of the tunnel |url=http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/the-london-assembly/publications/transport/crossrail-review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314014511/http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/the-london-assembly/publications/transport/crossrail-review |archive-date=14 March 2013 |access-date=24 February 2010 |publisher=London Assembly}} There were also complaints from music fans, as the London Astoria was forced to close.{{Cite news | last1 = Hoyle | first1 = Ben |date=14 March 2008 |title=Astoria makes way for Crossrail |work=The Times|location=London |url=https://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3549396.ece | url-access = subscription |access-date=8 January 2009}}

In December 2011, a contract to ship the excavated material from the tunnel to Wallasea Island{{cite news | last1 = Carrington | first1 = Damian |date=17 September 2012 |title=Crossrail earth to help create biggest man-made nature reserve in Europe |work=The Guardian|location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/sep/17/crossrail-earth-wetland-nature-reserve |access-date=15 March 2013}} was awarded to a joint venture comprising BAM Nuttall Limited and Van Oord UK Limited.{{cite press release |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-awards-contract-to-ship-excavated-material-to-wallasea-isl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104021753/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-awards-contract-to-ship-excavated-material-to-wallasea-isl |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2012 |title=Crossrail awards contract to ship excavated material to Wallasea Island |publisher=Crossrail |date=16 December 2011}}{{cite web |year=2013 |title=Monster lift sends east London tunnelling machines 40 metres underground |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/monster-lift-sends-east-london-tunnelling-machines-40-metres-underground#.UOtKQG89TTp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101003402/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/monster-lift-sends-east-london-tunnelling-machines-40-metres-underground#.UOtKQG89TTp |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 November 2012 |access-date=7 January 2013 |publisher=Crossrail}} Between {{Convert|4.5 and 5|e6t|e6LT e6ST|abbr=off}} of soil would be used to construct a new wetland nature reserve (Wallasea Wetlands).{{cite news | last1 = Morelle | first1 = Rebecca |author-link=Rebecca Morelle |date=17 September 2012 |title=Wallasea Island nature reserve project construction begins |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19598532 |access-date=15 March 2013}} The project eventually moved {{Convert|7|e6t|e6LT e6ST|abbr=off|spell=in}} of earth.{{cite news |date=3 March 2016 |title=From railway to wildlife |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/business/partnerships/12097234/crossrail-rspb-case-study.html?WT.mc_id=tmgspk_plr_1245_12097234&plr=1#!/ | url-access = subscription |access-date=8 April 2016}}

Restoration of Connaught Tunnel by filling with concrete foam and reboring, as originally intended, was deemed too great a risk to the structural integrity of the tunnel, and so the docks above were drained to give access to the tunnel roof in order to enlarge its profile. This work took place during 2013.{{cite news |date=July 2012 |title=Crossrail team gain confidence |page=37 |work=Modern Railways}}[http://www.globalrailnews.com/2013/09/05/connaught-tunnel-restoration-complete/ "Connaught Tunnel restoration complete"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308211358/http://www.globalrailnews.com/2013/09/05/connaught-tunnel-restoration-complete/|date=8 March 2014}}, Global Rail News, accessed 8 March 2014{{cite web | url = https://www.crossrail.co.uk/project/tunnelling/railway-tunnels/breathing-new-life-into-the-connaught-tunnel | title = Breathing New Life into the Connaught Tunnel | website = Crossrail | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221228162635/https://www.crossrail.co.uk/project/tunnelling/railway-tunnels/breathing-new-life-into-the-connaught-tunnel | archive-date = 2022-12-28 | url-status = dead }}

Boring of the railway tunnels was officially completed at Farringdon on 4 June 2015 in the presence of the Prime Minister and the Mayor of London.{{cite press release |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/prime-minister-and-mayor-of-london-celebrate-completion-of-crossrails-tunnelling-marathon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605101306/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/prime-minister-and-mayor-of-london-celebrate-completion-of-crossrails-tunnelling-marathon |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 June 2015 |title=Prime Minister and Mayor of London celebrate completion of Crossrail's tunnelling marathon |publisher=Crossrail |date=4 June 2015 |access-date=27 June 2015 | last1 = MacLennan | first1 = Peter}}

Installation of the track was completed in September 2017.{{Cite web |title=Elizabeth line permanent track installation is complete |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/elizabeth-line-permanent-track-installation-is-complete |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915031017/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/elizabeth-line-permanent-track-installation-is-complete |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 September 2017 |website=Crossrail|date=29 December 2022 }} The ETCS signalling was scheduled to be tested in the Heathrow tunnels over the winter of 2017–2018.{{cite web |date=12 December 2017 |title=Elizabeth Line Operational Readiness and Integration |url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/pic-20171212-item13-elizabeth-line.pdf |access-date=7 January 2020 |website=Transport for London}} The south east section of the infrastructure was energised in February 2018, with the first test train run between Plumstead and Abbey Wood that month.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2018 |title=First Elizabeth line train tests through Crossrail Tunnels |url=http://www.constructionmanagermagazine.com/news/first-elizabeth-line-train-tests-through-crossrail/ |access-date=28 July 2018 |website=Construction Manager Magazine}} In May 2018 the overhead lines were powered up between Westbourne Park and Stepney, the installation of platform doors was completed,{{Cite web |title=Footage of train testing under London and new construction images highlight Elizabeth line progress |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/footage-of-train-testing-under-london-and-new-construction-images-highlight-elizabeth-line-progress |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151642/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/footage-of-train-testing-under-london-and-new-construction-images-highlight-elizabeth-line-progress |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 May 2018 |website=Crossrail|date=29 December 2022 }} and video was released of the first trains travelling through the tunnels.{{cite news |last1=Neild |first1=Barry |date=25 May 2018 |title=First look at epic new Crossrail tunnel ride under London |publisher=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/elizabeth-line-london-first-look/index.html |access-date=27 May 2018}}

TfL Rail took over Heathrow Connect services from Paddington to Heathrow in May 2018.{{cite web |title=TfL takes over Heathrow Connect services in Elizabeth line milestone |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/rail-news/tfl-takes-over-heathrow-connect-services-in-elizabeth-line-milestone- |website=railtechnologymagazine.com |access-date=24 May 2018 |archive-date=24 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151931/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/rail-news/tfl-takes-over-heathrow-connect-services-in-elizabeth-line-milestone- |url-status=dead }}

File:Elizabeth Line construction at Moorgate.jpg

At the end of August 2018, four months before the scheduled opening of the core section of the line, it was announced that completion was delayed and that the line would not open before autumn 2019.{{cite news |date=31 August 2018 |title=Crossrail to miss December opening date |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-45367990 |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914135030/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-45367990 |archive-date=14 September 2018}}

In April 2019, it was announced that Crossrail would be completed between October 2020 and March 2021, two years behind schedule, and that it would not include the opening of the Bond Street station, one of ten new stations on the line.{{Cite news |date=26 April 2019 |title=Crossrail to be finished 'by March 2021' |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-48054789 |access-date=9 July 2019}}{{Cite news |date=26 April 2019 |title=Crossrail releases updated plan for delayed Elizabeth Line |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/metros/crossrail-releases-updated-plan-delayed-elizabeth-line/ |access-date=9 July 2019 |work=International Railway Journal|last1=Burroughs |first1=David }} The London Assembly's transport committee concluded that TfL played down the prospect of delays to the project in updates to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and called for TfL commissioner Mike Brown to consider his position.{{Cite web | last1 = Weinfass | first1 = Ian |date=23 April 2019 |title=Crossrail delay: TfL boss 'should consider position' |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/crossrail-delay-tfl-boss-consider-position-23-04-2019/ |access-date=9 July 2019 |website=Construction News}} Crossrail said major challenges before completion included writing and testing the software that would integrate the train with three different track signalling systems, and installing equipment inside the tunnels.

In July 2019, it was announced that the line would not open in 2021, with TfL not expecting the full line from Heathrow to Shenfield to open until the early part of the 2023/24 financial year.{{Cite web | last = Marshall | first = Jordan |title=TfL planning for 2023 Crossrail opening |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/tfl-planning-for-2023-crossrail-opening/5107199.article |access-date=25 July 2020 |website=Building |date=24 July 2020}}

In August 2020, Crossrail announced that the central section would be ready to open "in the first half of 2022".{{Cite news |date=21 August 2020 |title=Crossrail needs extra £450m and delayed until 2022 |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-53847738 |access-date=21 August 2020}}

In May 2021, trial running commenced,{{Cite web |title=Trial Running Explained |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/project/our-plan-to-complete-the-elizabeth-line/trial-running-explained |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421104813/https://www.crossrail.co.uk/project/our-plan-to-complete-the-elizabeth-line/trial-running-explained |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 April 2021 |access-date=12 May 2021 |website=Crossrail}} with the core section opened by Queen Elizabeth II for passenger service on 24 May 2022.{{cite web | last=Sandle | first=Paul | title=London's $24 billion Crossrail finally opens | work=Reuters| date=24 May 2022 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/londons-24-billion-crossrail-finally-opens-2022-05-23/ | access-date=24 May 2022}}

File:Ada-panorama-2.jpg

The project used eight {{convert|7.1|m|adj=on|abbr=off}} diameter tunnel-boring machines (TBM) from Herrenknecht AG (Germany). Two types are used; 'slurry' type for the Thames tunnel, which involves tunnelling through chalk; and 'Earth Pressure Balance Machines' (EPBM) for tunnelling through clay, sand and gravel (at lower levels through Lambeth Group and Thanet Sands ground formation). The TBMs weigh nearly 1,000{{nbsp}}tonnes and are over {{convert|100|m|abbr=off}} long.Sources:

• {{cite web |title=Crossrail Tunnel Boring Machines |date=29 December 2022 |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/download/5001 |publisher=Crossrail}}
• {{cite web |date=20 November 2007 |title=Crossrail information paper: D8 – Tunnel construction methodology |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/library/document/d/original/d08tunnelconstructionmethodology1.pdf |publisher=Crossrail}}{{dead link|date=December 2016|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}
• {{cite news | last1 =Thomas | first1 = Tris |date=22 September 2011 |title=Herrenknecht supply final Crossrail TBMs |work=Tunneling Journal |url=http://tunnellingjournal.com/news/herrenknecht-to-supply-final-crossrail-tbms/ |ref=none}}Sources:
• {{cite magazine |year=2011 |title=Bulletin: The giant burrowers |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/library/document/c/original/crossrail_project_bulletin_23_web.pdf |url-status=dead |magazine=Crossrail Bulletin |publisher=Crossrail |issue=23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121185911/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/library/document/c/original/crossrail_project_bulletin_23_web.pdf |archive-date=21 November 2011}}
• {{cite magazine | last1 = Symes | first1 = Claire |date=14 December 2011 |title=Crossrail's first TBM ready for delivery |magazine=New Civil Engineer |url=http://www.nce.co.uk/news/geotechnical/crossrails-first-tbm-ready-for-delivery/8623888.article |ref=none}} The main tunnelling contracts were valued at around £1.5{{nbsp}}billion.{{cite press release |url=http://www.riagb.org.uk/images/news_documents/1302261683.pdf |title=Crossrail awards remaining tunnelling contracts as Crossrail's momentum becomes unstoppable |publisher=Crossrail |date=7 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429020953/http://www.riagb.org.uk/images/news_documents/1302261683.pdf |archive-date=29 April 2011}}

Crossrail ran a competition in January 2012 to name the TBMs, in which over 2,500 entries were received and 10 pairs of names short-listed. After a public vote in February 2012, the first three pairs of names were announced on 13 March and the last pair on 16 August 2013:{{cite web |date=13 March 2012 |title=Names of our first six tunnel boring machines announced |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/site-news/names-our-first-six-tunnel-boring-machines-announced |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414213314/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/site-news/names-our-first-six-tunnel-boring-machines-announced |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 April 2012 |publisher=Crossrail}}{{cite web |date=16 August 2013 |title=Olympic champions join Crossrail's marathon tunnelling race |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/crossrails-final-two-tunnelling-machines-to-be-named-after-olympians |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911021102/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/crossrails-final-two-tunnelling-machines-to-be-named-after-olympians |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 September 2013 |publisher=Crossrail}}

• Ada and Phyllis, Royal Oak to Farringdon section, named after Ada Lovelace and Phyllis Pearsall
• Victoria and Elizabeth, Limmo Peninsula to Farringdon section, named after Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II
• Mary and Sophia, Plumstead to North Woolwich section, named after Mary and Sophia, the wives respectively of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his father Marc Isambard Brunel, builders of the first tunnel under the Thames
• Jessica and Ellie, Pudding Mill Lane to Stepney Green and Limmo Peninsula to Victoria Dock sections, named after Jessica Ennis and Ellie Simmonds

File:Belt-collapse1.JPG

In September 2012, a gantry supporting a spoil hopper, used to load rail wagons with excavated waste at a construction site near Westbourne Park Underground station, collapsed. It tipped sideways, causing the adjacent Network Rail line to be closed.{{cite news | last1 = Lewis | first1 = Mark |date=28 September 2012 |title=Gantry collapse at Westbourne Park Crossrail site |work=Construction News |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/contracts-civils/gantry-collapses-at-westbourne-park-crossrail-site-28-09-2012/}}{{cite web | last1 = Freeman | first1 = Simon |date=28 September 2012 |title=Waste hopper collapses at Paddington station |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/waste-hopper-collapses-at-paddington-station-8189268.html |work=Evening Standard|location=London}}

On 7 March 2014, Rene Tkacik, a Slovakian construction worker, was killed by a piece of falling concrete while working in a tunnel.{{cite news |date=12 March 2014 |title=Slovakian identified as killed Crossrail worker |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-26545474 |access-date=27 April 2014}} In April 2014, The Observer reported details of a leaked internal report, compiled for the Crossrail contractors by an independent safety consultancy. The report was alleged to have pointed to poor industrial relations arising from safety concerns, and that workers were "too scared to report injuries for fear of being sacked".{{cite news |last1 = Boffey | first1 = Daniel |date=27 April 2014 |title=Crossrail managers accused of 'culture of spying and fear' |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/apr/26/crossrail-workers-culture-spying-fear |access-date=27 April 2014}}

Three construction workers died from suspected heart attacks over six months in 2019, but Crossrail announced that, following extensive testing, the air quality at Bond Street station was within acceptable limits.{{cite news |last1=Wadham |first1=Caroline |date=15 October 2019 |title=Crossrail: Bond Street air quality 'within required limits' |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/crossrail-bond-street-air-quality-within-required-limits-15-10-2019/ |work=Construction News}}

File:London Astoria site September 2009 CB.jpg music venue.]]

In 2012, Crossrail faced accusations of blacklisting. It was revealed that an industrial relations manager, Ron Barron, employed by Bechtel, had routinely cross-checked job applicants against the Consulting Association database.{{cite news | last1 = Boffey | first1 = Daniel |date=2 December 2012 |title=Crossrail project dragged into blacklist scandal |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/dec/02/crossrail-blacklisting-scandal |access-date=5 May 2013}} An employment tribunal in 2010 heard that Barron introduced the use of the blacklist at his former employer, the construction firm Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (CB&I), and referred to it more than 900 times in 2007 alone. He was found to have unlawfully refused employment to a Philip Willis. Aggravated damages were awarded because Barron had added information about Willis to the blacklist.

In May 2012, a BFK manager challenged their subcontractor, Electrical Installations Services Ltd. (EIS), saying that one of their electricians was a trade union activist. Some days later, Pat Swift, the HR manager for BFK and a regular user of the Consulting Association, again challenged EIS. EIS refused to dismiss their worker and lost the contract. Flash pickets were held at the Crossrail site and also at the sites of the BFK partners.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}} The Scottish Affairs Select Committee called on the UK Business Secretary, Vince Cable, to set up a government investigation into blacklisting at Crossrail.{{cite book |last1=Smith |first1=Dave |title=Blacklisted The Secret War between Big Business and Union Activists |last2=Chamberlain |first2=Phil |date=2015 |publisher=New Internationalist |isbn=978-0-7453-3398-4}}{{cite news |first1 = Matthew | last1 = Taylor |date=28 July 2013 |title=Construction industry blacklisting is unacceptable, warns Vince Cable |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/jul/28/construction-industry-blacklisting-vince-cable |access-date=5 October 2015}}

Further allegations of blacklisting against Crossrail were made in Parliament in September 2017.{{cite news |date=6 September 2017 |title=Crossrail blacklisting aired in Parliament |work=The Construction Index |url=http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/crossrail-blacklisting-aired-in-parliament |access-date=11 September 2017}} In March 2023, a former Crossrail worker made a High Court statement regarding a damages claim against Crossrail, Skanska, Costain, T Clarke and NG Bailey for blacklisting. The case had been settled out of court in December 2021. Electrician Daniel Collins had raised health and safety concerns at the Bond Street station site in February 2015, was fired three days later, and faced repeated difficulties in gaining new employment on the project. He alleged there was a "secretive system of misuse of private information" about union activists. Crossrail and the contractors denied all Collins' allegations, saying they settled the court case "for purely commercial reasons" and "without admission of liability or wrongdoing". Collins received an undisclosed sum for damages and to cover court costs.{{cite news |last1=Stein |first1=Joshua |title=Sacked Crossrail spark blasts builders after blacklisting case settled |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/legal/exclusive-crossrail-and-costain-skanska-settled-blacklisting-lawsuit-20-03-2023/ |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=Construction News |date=20 March 2023}}

Much like the Thames Tideway Scheme and the High Speed 2 projects, which were under development in London at the same time as Crossrail, the excavation works that took place during the project gave archaeologists a valuable opportunity to explore the earth underneath London's streets that was previously seen as inaccessible. Crossrail undertook what was described as one of the most extensive archaeological programmes ever seen in the UK. Over 100 archaeologists have found tens of thousands of items from 40 sites, spanning 55{{nbsp}}million years of London's history and prehistory.{{Cite web |title=About Tunnel: The Archaeology of Crossrail |url=https://archaeology.crossrail.co.uk/about-tunnel-the-archaeology-of-crossrail/ |website=Crossrail Archaeology Museum |access-date=31 October 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030831/https://archaeology.crossrail.co.uk/about-tunnel-the-archaeology-of-crossrail/ |url-status=dead }} Many of the items were placed on show at the Museum of London Docklands from February to September 2017.

Some of the most notable finds include:{{cite web |title=Museum of London Docklands to reveal archaeological finds unearthed by the Crossrail project |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/museum-of-london-docklands-to-reveal-archaeological-finds-unearthed-by-the-crossrail-project |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214170604/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/museum-of-london-docklands-to-reveal-archaeological-finds-unearthed-by-the-crossrail-project |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 February 2017 |work=crossrail.co.uk|date=29 December 2022 }}{{cite news | last1 = McDermott | first1 = Josephine |date=10 February 2017 |title=A vignette of life in the past |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-38919314}}

• Victims of the Great Plague, a mass grave of 42 skeletons found at Liverpool Street station
• Thirteen skeletons, thought to be of victims of the Black Death in the 14th century, uncovered {{convert|2.5|m|0|abbr=on}} under the road that surrounds the gardens in Charterhouse Square, Farringdon in March 2013{{cite press release |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/14th-century-burial-ground-discovered-in-london |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318033354/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/14th-century-burial-ground-discovered-in-london |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 March 2013 |title=14th century burial ground discovered in Central London |access-date=18 March 2013 | last1 = Eleftheriou | first1 = Krista |publisher=Crossrail |date=15 March 2013}}{{cite news |date=15 March 2013 |title=Crossrail discovers Black Death burial ground | first1 = Chris | last1 = Berkin |work=Construction News |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/contracts-civils/crossrail-discovers-black-death-burial-ground-15-03-2013/ |access-date=5 January 2023}}
• Prehistoric knapped flints discovered in North Woolwich
• A Tudor period bowling ball found in Stepney Green
• Medieval ice skates found near Liverpool Street station
• Bison and reindeer bones
• Leather shoes dating from the Tudor period
• Roman coins and a Roman medallion found at Liverpool Street which was issued to mark the New Year celebrations in AD 245. This medallion was only the second ever of its kind to be found in Europe.
• Two parts of a woolly mammoth jawbone
• The largest piece of amber ever found in the UK, discovered at Canary Wharf
• A Victorian chamber pot found near Stepney Green
• 13,000 Crosse & Blackwell jars found near Tottenham Court Road from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.{{cite news |title=Crossrail dig unearths 13,000 Victorian jam jars |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-38586525 |access-date=21 March 2023 |publisher=BBC News |date=11 January 2017}}
• Part of a small barge or fishing vessel from 1223 to 1290 found at Canning Town

In the first half of 2021, Crossrail entered trial running stage of construction.{{Cite web |title=Crossrail Project Update |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/crossrail-project-update |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622145122/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/crossrail-project-update |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 June 2019 |website=Crossrail|date=29 December 2022 }} Crossrail, in partnership with TfL, ran trains to a timetable through the core section, to check the reliability of the railway. In November 2021, Crossrail entered trial operation which is the final stage before opening.{{Cite web |title=Trial Operations underway ahead of Elizabeth line opening next year |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/trial-operations-underway-ahead-of-elizabeth-line-opening-next-year |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122121320/https://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/trial-operations-underway-ahead-of-elizabeth-line-opening-next-year |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=28 November 2021 |website=Crossrail}}

With an initial budget of £14.8{{nbsp}}billion, the total cost rose to £18.25{{nbsp}}billion by November 2019,{{Cite news |last1=Farrell |first1=Sean |last2=Topham |first2=Gwyn |date=8 November 2019 |title=Crossrail faces further delays and will cost more than £18bn |work=The Guardian|location= London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/nov/08/crossrail-faces-further-delays-and-will-cost-more-than-18bn-tfl |access-date=7 January 2020 }}{{Cite news |date=8 November 2019 |title=Crossrail delayed until 2021 as costs increase |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50345344 |access-date=7 January 2020}} and increased further to £18.8{{nbsp}}billion by December 2020.{{cite web |title=Funding |url=https://www.crossrail.co.uk/about-us/funding |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516065015/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/about-us/funding |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2013 |access-date=12 May 2022 |publisher=Crossrail Ltd}}

Delays to the project of several months were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in England,{{Cite news |date=23 July 2020 |title=Crossrail opening delayed again due to coronavirus |work=The Guardian|location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/23/crossrail-opening-delayed-again-due-to-coronavirus |access-date=25 July 2020}}{{Cite news |date=8 February 2022 |title='It has to be flawless': long wait for London's Elizabeth line is nearly over |work=The Guardian|location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/feb/08/it-has-to-be-flawless-long-wait-for-londons-elizabeth-line-is-nearly-over}} and in late 2020 this reduced the number of workers that could be safely on-site.{{Cite news |date=21 August 2020 |title=Crossrail needs extra £450m and delayed until 2022 |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-53847738 |access-date=2 November 2020}}

By August 2021, seven of the nine new stations had been handed over to TfL.{{cite news |date=5 July 2021 |title=New modern ticket hall with step-free access opens at Moorgate as part of Elizabeth line improvements |url=https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/new-modern-ticket-hall-with-step-free-access-opens-at-moorgate-as-part-of-elizabeth-line-improvements/ |work=Rail Business Daily}}

The Abbey Wood to Paddington section opened to passengers on 24 May 2022, although initially trains did not run on Sundays to allow for further testing, nor did they call at Bond Street, which opened on 24 October 2022. From Sunday 6 November trains began running directly from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Abbey Wood, and from Shenfield in the east through to Paddington as the surface railways connect with the central tunnels.{{cite web |title=Crossrail Project Update |url=https://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/crossrail-project-update |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622145122/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/crossrail-project-update |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 June 2019 |access-date=8 October 2022}} TfL expects that the full line, with final timetable, will be operational by May 2023.{{Cite press release |title=Elizabeth line to open on 24 May 2022 |date=4 May 2022 |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/elizabeth-line-to-open-on-24-may-2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504093541/https://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/elizabeth-line-to-open-on-24-may-2022 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |publisher= Transport for London}}

File:London Underground, Elizabeth Line and Docklands Light Railway with Greater London map.svg (red) for much of the central section, and is expected to relieve pressure on it.]]

In the west, the new tunnel connects with the Great Western Main Line at Royal Oak, west of {{stn|Paddington}}. East of {{stn|Whitechapel}} the line splits at an underground junction. The north-eastern branch emerges to join the existing Great Eastern Main Line at {{stn|Stratford}}. The south-eastern branch runs underground to Abbey Wood via Canary Wharf, Custom House and Woolwich. This branch takes over a stretch of the former North London line built by the Eastern Counties and Thames Junction Railway, and connects it with the North Kent Line via a tunnel under the Thames at North Woolwich.{{Cite web |title=Central and South East Stations |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/stations/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025152344/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/stations/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 October 2010 |access-date=8 March 2020 |website=Crossrail}}

The tunnelled sections are altogether approximately {{convert|42|km|mi|abbr=in}} in length.{{cite web |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/construction/tunnelling/ |title=42 kilometers of new rail tunnels under London |access-date=18 March 2013 |publisher=Crossrail |year=2013 |archive-date=19 October 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131019093305/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/construction/ |url-status=dead }}

There are new stations at Paddington, {{lus|Bond Street}}, {{lus|Tottenham Court Road}}, {{stn|Farringdon}}, {{stn|Liverpool Street}} and Whitechapel, with interchanges with London Underground and National Rail services. Due to the length and positioning of the new platforms, Farringdon station is also connected to {{lus|Barbican}} station,{{Cite web|url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/stations/farringdon/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028160413/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/stations/farringdon/|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 October 2010|title=Farringdon Station|website=Crossrail|access-date=8 March 2020}} and Liverpool Street to {{stn|Moorgate}} station.{{Cite web|url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/stations/liverpool-street/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028160432/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/stations/liverpool-street/|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 October 2010|title=Liverpool Street Station|website=Crossrail|access-date=8 March 2020}}

From the western end of the tunnel Elizabeth line services continue to {{rws|Hayes and Harlington}} where they either remain on the Great Western Main Line and run to {{rws|Reading}} or {{rws|Maidenhead}} via {{rws|Slough}} or split off to the Heathrow branch terminating at Heathrow Terminals 4 or 5. Existing stations were refurbished and upgraded, including the provision of step-free access at all stations, and platform lengthening at most to accommodate the new {{Convert|200|m|ft|-long|adj=mid}} trains.{{Cite web|url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/western-section/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625111542/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/western-section/|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 June 2011|title=Western section – Paddington to Heathrow and Reading|website=Crossrail|access-date=8 March 2020}}

Earlier plans suggested terminating at Maidenhead, with an extension to Reading safeguarded.{{Cite web|format=.doc|url=http://74f85f59f39b887b696f-ab656259048fb93837ecc0ecbcf0c557.r23.cf3.rackcdn.com/assets/library/document/4/original/4_safeguarding_directions_schedule_guidance_and_explanatory_notes.pdf|title=SAFEGUARDING DIRECTIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING THE ROUTE AND ASSOCIATED WORKS PROPOSED FOR THE CROSSRAIL PROJECT – MAIDENHEAD TO OLD OAK COMMON, OLD OAK COMMON TO ABBEY WOOD, STRATFORD TO SHENFIELD AND WORKS AT WEST HAM, PITSEA AND CLACTON-ON-SEA|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202171908/http://74f85f59f39b887b696f-ab656259048fb93837ecc0ecbcf0c557.r23.cf3.rackcdn.com/assets/library/document/4/original/4_safeguarding_directions_schedule_guidance_and_explanatory_notes.pdf|url-status=dead}} Various commentators advocated an extension further west as far as Reading because it was seen as complementary to the Great Western Electrification project which was announced in July 2009.{{Cite magazine| last1 = Owen| first1 = Ed|url=http://www.nce.co.uk/major-projects/crossrail/extending-crossrail-to-reading-would-keep-it-on-track/5205636.article|title=Crossrail to Reading would keep it on track|date=23 July 2009|magazine=New Civil Engineer}} A Reading terminus was also recommended by Network Rail's 2011 Route Utilisation Strategy.Rail Utilisation Strategy, 2011, page 9 On 27 March 2014 it was announced that the line would indeed extend to Reading.{{cite news |title=London Crossrail plans extended to Reading |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-26762551 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=27 March 2014 |date=27 March 2014}}{{cite web|title=Crossrail extended to Reading|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/crossrail-extended-to-reading|publisher=Department for Transport|access-date=27 March 2014}}{{cite press release |title=DfT and TfL extend Crossrail route to Reading |url=https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2014/march/dft-and-tfl-extend-crossrail-route-to-reading |publisher=Transport for London |date=27 March 2014}}

A flyover at Airport Junction near Hayes & Harlington station allows Heathrow Express trains to pass over the track used by Crossrail, avoiding delays caused by crossings.{{cite news|title=First Crossrail tracks laid on Stockley Flyover bridge|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30173787|access-date=14 May 2017|publisher=BBC News|date=24 November 2014}} The line between the junction and Heathrow Central (mostly in a tunnel) is not owned by Network Rail but by Heathrow Airport Holdings.

A "dive-under" was constructed at Acton to allow passenger trains to pass slower freight trains leaving and entering a goods yard. It was completed in July 2016 and was brought into use in 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/news/2016/jul/new-train-underpass-Acton-reaches-structural-completion/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229031407/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/news/2016/jul/new-train-underpass-Acton-reaches-structural-completion/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 December 2016 |title=New train underpass at Acton reaches structural completion}}{{cite web |url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/track/network-rail-completes-£100m-of-upgrades-over-christmas.html |title=Network Rail completes £100m of upgrades over Christmas |access-date=17 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822014842/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/track/network-rail-completes-%C2%A3100m-of-upgrades-over-christmas.html |archive-date=22 August 2018 |url-status=dead }}

{{clear}}

{{Wide image|CrossrailLine1Map.svg|1200px}}

The north-eastern Crossrail tunnel connects with the Great Eastern Main Line at {{rws|Stratford}}. The Elizabeth line runs to {{rws|Shenfield}} via {{rws|Ilford}}, {{rws|Romford}} and {{rws|Gidea Park}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/eastern-section/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625111230/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/eastern-section/|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 June 2011|title=Eastern section – Stratford to Shenfield|website=Crossrail|access-date=8 March 2020}}

File:Seven Kings stn Crossrail roundel 2019 06.jpg

Crossrail is the name of the construction project and of the limited company, wholly owned by TfL, that was formed to carry out construction works.{{cite web|url=https://www.tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/rup-20150212-part-1-item-09-crossrail.pdf|title=Crossrail – Moving to the Operating Railway Rail and Underground Panel 12 February 2015|last1=Smith|first1=Howard|website=12 February 2015|publisher=Transport for London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213113944/https://www.tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/rup-20150212-part-1-item-09-crossrail.pdf|archive-date=13 February 2015|url-status=live|access-date=13 February 2015}}{{cite web |title=About Crossrail Ltd |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/about-us/ |website=Crossrail |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914103132/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/about-us/ |archive-date=14 September 2018}} The Elizabeth line is the name of the new service that will be seen on signage throughout the stations. It is named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/crossrail-named-the-elizabeth-line-royal-title-unveiled-as-the-queen-visits-bond-street-a3186791.html |title=Crossrail named the Elizabeth line: Royal title unveiled as the Queen visits Bond Street station | last1 = Jobson | first1 = Robert |date=23 February 2016 |work=Evening Standard|location=London |access-date=23 February 2016}}{{Cite news |title=Crossrail to be named Elizabeth line in honour of the Queen|url=https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/feb/23/crossrail-named-elizabeth-line-honour-of-the-queen |access-date=8 January 2022 |work=The Guardian|location=London}} The Elizabeth line logo features a Transport for London roundel with a purple ring and TfL-blue bar with white text. TfL Rail was an intermediate brand name which was introduced in May 2015 and discontinued in May 2022. It was used by TfL on services between Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5 and Reading, as well as trains between Liverpool Street and Shenfield.{{cite web |title=Elizabeth line Design Idiom |url=http://content.tfl.gov.uk/elizabeth-line-design-idiom.pdf |publisher=Transport for London |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914105614/http://content.tfl.gov.uk/elizabeth-line-design-idiom.pdf |archive-date=14 September 2018 |date=6 December 2017}}

{{convert|21|km|0|abbr=in}} of twin-bore tunnels were constructed by tunnel boring machines (TBM), each with an internal diameter of {{convert|6.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (compared with {{convert|3.81|m|ftin|abbr=on}} for the deep-level Victoria line). The wide-diameter tunnels allow for new {{Brc|345}} rolling stock, which is larger than the traditional deep-level tube trains. The tunnels allow for the emergency evacuation of passengers through the side doors rather than along the length of the train.

The tunnels are made up of three main sections: a {{convert|15.39|km|1|abbr=in}} tunnel from Royal Oak portal near Royal Oak station to Victoria Dock portal near Custom House station, a {{convert|2.72|km|1|abbr=in}} tunnel from {{stn|Pudding Mill Lane}} portal connecting to the longer tunnel at an underground junction at Stepney Green cavern, and a separate {{convert|2.64|km|1|abbr=in}} tunnel from Plumstead to North Woolwich underneath the Thames. The Custom House to North Woolwich section, included a £50{{nbsp}}million investment to renovate and reuse the Connaught tunnel.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-13210232|title=Crossrail brings old tunnel back to life|first1 = Tom | last1 = Edwards|publisher=BBC London|date=27 April 2011|access-date=30 August 2011}}{{Cite web |year=2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609023627/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/construction/tunnelling/railway-tunnels/ |archive-date=9 June 2015 |url-status=dead |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/construction/tunnelling/railway-tunnels/ |title=Building the Rail Tunnels |publisher=Crossrail |access-date=7 March 2020}}

Crossrail has often been compared to Paris's RER system due to the length of the central tunnel.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/londonaEURTMs-cross-city-line-follows-the-rer-model.html |title=London's cross-city line follows the RER model |first1=Andrew |last1=Boagey |first2=Marc |last2=Genain |date=13 March 2009 |magazine=Railway Gazette International |location=London |access-date=2 June 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.citymetric.com/transport/rer-or-rer-c-how-paris-typifies-two-models-cross-city-commuter-train-lines-2704 |title=To RER A, or to RER C? How Paris typifies the two models for cross-city commuter train lines | last1 = May | first1 = Jack |date=11 January 2017 |work=CityMetric |access-date=2 June 2017 |location=London}}

File:Crossrail platform at Farringdon.jpg The majority of stations in the central section all have distinctive architecture at street level; whereas stations at platform level have identical "kit-of-parts" architecture, including full height platform screen doors with integrated passenger information displays. This is a different approach from the Jubilee Line Extension in the 1990s, where each station was designed by a different architect.{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Robert |date=2014-10-14 |title=The man who's setting the Crossrail style: Julian Robinson |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/the-man-who-s-setting-the-crossrail-style-julian-robinson-9793232.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Evening Standard|location=London}} Artwork was also installed at seven of the stations in the central section.{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=Elizabeth |date=2022-05-26 |title=Art on the Elizabeth Line: travel on London's newest public gallery |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/exhibitions/contemporary-art-elizabeth-line-douglas-gordon-chantal-joffe-crossrail-b1002429.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Evening Standard|location=London}}

A mock-up of the new stations was built in Bedfordshire in 2011 to ensure that their architectural integrity would last for a century.{{cite web |last=Hyde |first=John |date=16 March 2011 |title=Crossrail 'mock-ups' for stations that will last 100 years |url=http://www.docklands24.co.uk/news/travel/crossrail_mock_ups_for_stations_that_will_last_100_years_1_832242 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006150710/http://www.docklands24.co.uk/news/travel/crossrail_mock_ups_for_stations_that_will_last_100_years_1_832242 |archive-date=6 October 2011 |website=The Docklands}} It was planned to bring at least one mock-up to London for the public to view the design and give feedback before final construction commenced.{{cite news |date=16 March 2011 |title=Future of London transport revealed at secret site |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12764741 |url-status=live |access-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515140435/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-12764741 |archive-date=15 May 2022}}

81 escalators were installed at the nine new stations.{{Cite web |last=Dempsey |first=Andrew |date=2017-11-11 |title=Over 1.5 kilometres of escalators now installed in Elizabeth line stations – Crossrail |url=https://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/over-15-kilometres-of-escalators-now-installed-in-elizabeth-line-stations |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111122623/https://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/articles/over-15-kilometres-of-escalators-now-installed-in-elizabeth-line-stations |archive-date=11 November 2017 |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Crossrail}} At {{Convert|60|m|ft}} in length, the escalators at Bond Street are just one metre shorter than the escalators at Angel, the longest escalator on the Underground. All stations in the central section were built to be step free from street to train, with 54 lifts installed in the nine new stations.{{Cite web |title=Accessibility on the Elizabeth line |url=https://www.tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/improving-accessibility |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Transport for London}}

Existing stations on the Great Western Main Line and Great Eastern Main Line were upgraded and refurbished, with some stations receiving new entrance buildings.{{Cite web |title=Elizabeth line stations |url=https://www.tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/elizabeth-line-stations |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Transport for London|quote=We refurbished many of the existing stations that are now served by the Elizabeth line. Alongside Network Rail, we: Built new station buildings and improved others with features like brighter and more spacious ticket halls and waiting areas, Created step-free access at every station with new lifts and footbridges, Refurbished waiting rooms and toilets as well as platform shelters and canopies, Added platform enhancements such as new signage, help points, information screens and CCTV}} All surface level stations have lifts, allowing step free access from street to platform.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-26 |title=Campaigners celebrate their Crossrail access win as line finally opens, eight years on |url=https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/campaigners-celebrate-their-crossrail-access-win-as-line-finally-opens-eight-years-on/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Disability News Service}} {{Crossrail RDT}}

Crossrail uses 25{{nbsp}}kV, 50{{nbsp}}Hz AC overhead lines, which are also used on the Great Eastern and Great Western Main Lines.

The Heathrow branch started using the European Train Control System (ETCS) in 2020. The Automatic Warning (AWS) and Train Protection & Warning (TPWS) systems are used on the Great Western and Great Eastern Main Lines, with possible later upgrades to ETCS. Communications-based train control (CBTC) is installed in the central section and the Abbey Wood branch.{{cite web|url=http://www.boriswatch.co.uk/2011/06/08/now-its-2019-crossrails-stealth-delay/|title=Now it's 2019: Crossrail's stealth delay|date=8 June 2011|publisher=BorisWatch (blog)}}{{cite press release |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-starts-tender-process-for-signalling-system |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927072641/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-starts-tender-process-for-signalling-system |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2011 |title=Crossrail starts tender process for signalling system |publisher=Crossrail |date=14 April 2011}}{{cite web |url=https://www.londonreconnections.com/2010/crossrail-rolling-stock-tender-is-issued/ |title=Crossrail Rolling Stock Tender is Issued |date=1 December 2010 |publisher=London Reconnections (blog)}}

Crossrail will have depots in west London at Old Oak Common TMD, in south-east London at Plumstead Depot, and in east London at Ilford EMU Depot and at a new signalling centre at {{rws|Romford}} in Havering, East London.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36359210|title=Could we finally see the end of overcrowded trains?|publisher=BBC News|access-date=29 May 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://74f85f59f39b887b696f-ab656259048fb93837ecc0ecbcf0c557.r23.cf3.rackcdn.com/assets/library/document/0/original/0011_r_ne9romfordstation1.pdf|title=Route Window NE9 Romford station and depot (east)|access-date=26 May 2016|publisher=Crossrail|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105022514/http://74f85f59f39b887b696f-ab656259048fb93837ecc0ecbcf0c557.r23.cf3.rackcdn.com/assets/library/document/0/original/0011_r_ne9romfordstation1.pdf|url-status=dead}}

File:London City Airport DLR and Crossrail.png but no station is currently planned]]

Although the Crossrail route passes very close to London City Airport, there is no station serving the airport directly. London City Airport had proposed the re-opening of Silvertown railway station, in order to create an interchange between the rail line and the airport.{{cite web |url=https://www.londoncityairport.com/content/pdf/TransformingEastLondon.pdf |title=Transforming East London Together 2013–2023 |publisher=London City Airport |access-date=1 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126220257/https://www.londoncityairport.com/content/pdf/TransformingEastLondon.pdf |archive-date=26 January 2017 |url-status=dead}} The self-funded £50{{nbsp}}million station plan was supported 'in principle' by the London Borough of Newham.{{cite web |url=https://www.newham.gov.uk/Documents/Environment%20and%20planning/Matter%209%20Written%20Statement%20-%20London%20City%20Airport.pdf |publisher=London Borough of Newham |title=Examination of the London Borough of Newham – Detailed Sites and Policies Development Plan Document – Written Statement of London City Airport |date=11 April 2006 |access-date=6 October 2016 |archive-date=10 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010170522/https://www.newham.gov.uk/Documents/Environment%20and%20planning/Matter%209%20Written%20Statement%20-%20London%20City%20Airport.pdf |url-status=dead}} Provisions for re-opening of the station were made in 2012 by Crossrail.{{cite web |url=http://74f85f59f39b887b696f-ab656259048fb93837ecc0ecbcf0c557.r23.cf3.rackcdn.com/assets/library/document/s/original/silvertown_station.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705231549/http://74f85f59f39b887b696f-ab656259048fb93837ecc0ecbcf0c557.r23.cf3.rackcdn.com/assets/library/document/s/original/silvertown_station.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 July 2015 |title=Silvertown Station – Crossrail Proposals |publisher=Crossrail |date=17 January 2012}} However, it was alleged by the airport that TfL was hostile to the idea of a station on the site, a claim disputed by TfL.{{cite web |url=http://www.wharf.co.uk/news/local-news/tfl-hostile-crossrail-station-lcy-11406486 |title=Why is TfL so hostile to a Crossrail station at LCY? |first1 = Giles |last1 = Broadbent |date=31 May 2016 |work=The Wharf |access-date=13 October 2016}}

In 2018, the airport's chief development officer described the lack of a Crossrail station as a "missed opportunity", but did not rule out a future station for the airport.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/london-city-airport-crossrail-a-missed-opportunity/10030272.article |title=London City Airport – Crossrail 'a missed opportunity' |first1=Rob |last1=Horgan |first2=Katherine |last2=Smale |magazine=New Civil Engineer |date=20 April 2018}} The CEO stated in an interview that a station is not essential to the airport's success.{{cite web |url=https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/london-city-airport-ceo-says-crossrail-isnt-essential-to-its-success-2/ |title=London City Airport CEO says Crossrail isn't essential to its success |date=12 February 2018 |website=InYourArea.co.uk}} In May 2019, the chief development officer confirmed discussions are ongoing about a station for the airport as part of the proposed extension to Ebbsfleet.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/london-city-airport-in-talks-with-tfl-about-crossrail-station-21-05-2019/ |title=London City Airport in talks with TfL about Crossrail station |last1 = Smale |first1 = Katherine |date=21 May 2019 |magazine=New Civil Engineer|access-date=8 March 2020}}

{{Main|Old Oak Common railway station}}

As part of the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail link from London to Birmingham, a new station is being built at {{Stnlnk|Old Oak Common}} between Paddington and Acton Main Line station.{{Cite web |title=Old Oak Common |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/stations/old-oak-common/ |access-date=8 March 2020 |website=High Speed 2}} The new station will connect HS2 services with Crossrail and National Rail services on the Great Western Main Line, as well as London Overground services running through the area.{{cite press release |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/plans-to-transform-old-oak-and-park-royal |title=Have your say on plans to transform Old Oak and Park Royal |publisher=London City Hall |website=London.gov.uk |date=5 February 2016 |access-date=14 July 2017}} The original plan was that the station would open with High Speed 2 in 2026, with preliminary construction beginning in 2019.{{Cite web |date=5 February 2019 |title='World Class' Old Oak Common images unveiled by HS2 |url=https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2019/02/05-world-class-old-oak-common.html |access-date=8 March 2020 |website=railnews.co.uk}}

Go-ahead for construction was given in June 2021.{{cite news |title = Construction of HS2's Old Oak Common station to be given the go-ahead |date = 23 June 2021 |newspaper = ITV News |url=https://www.itv.com/news/london/2021-06-23/construction-of-hs2s-old-oak-common-station-to-be-given-the-go-ahead |access-date = 5 January 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/transport-secretary-to-give-the-go-ahead-for-start-of-permanent-works-on-hs2s-west-london-super-hub-station |title= Transport Secretary to give the go-ahead for start of permanent works on HS2's west London 'super-hub' station |publisher= HS2 |date = June 2021}}

File:Crossrail extensions.png, page 153.]]

In the 2003 and 2004 consultations into Crossrail, the South East branch was proposed to go beyond Abbey Wood, running along the North Kent Line to Ebbsfleet, linking up with the (then under construction) Channel Tunnel Rail Link.{{Cite web |url=https://learninglegacy.crossrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/3D-012-01_Round-1-Consultation-Panels-Generic.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729043104/https://learninglegacy.crossrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/3D-012-01_Round-1-Consultation-Panels-Generic.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2020 |title=Round 1 Consultation Panels Generic Information |date=September 2003 |website=Crossrail Learning Legacy |access-date=8 March 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://learninglegacy.crossrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/3D-020-Developing-Crossrail-Update.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729013709/https://learninglegacy.crossrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/3D-020-Developing-Crossrail-Update.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2020 |title=Developing Crossrail – Round 2 Consultation Document – August to October 2004 |date=August 2004 |website=Crossrail Learning Legacy |access-date=8 March 2020}} However, prior to the submission of the Crossrail Hybrid Bill to Parliament in 2005, the branch was truncated at Abbey Wood to cut overall project costs.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/crossrail-extension-to-ebbsfleet-buoyed-by-government-fund-27-03-2019/ |title=Crossrail extension to Ebbsfleet buoyed by government fund |last1 = Smale |first1 = Katherine |date=27 March 2019 |magazine=New Civil Engineer|access-date=8 March 2020}} Although dropped from the main scheme, the route was safeguarded by the DfT as far as Gravesend and Hoo Junction, protecting the route from development.{{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/crossrailupdate |title=Crossrail Safeguarding Update 2008 |last1 = Harris |first1 = Tom |date=6 February 2008 |publisher=Department for Transport |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090607023709/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/crossrailupdate |archive-date=7 June 2009 |access-date=16 February 2008}}

With the Crossrail project nearing completion in 2018, local MPs, council leaders and local businesses began lobbying{{Cite web |url=https://www.c2ecampaign.com/ |title=C2E Crossrail to Ebbsfleet |website=c2e-campaign|access-date=8 March 2020 |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231154851/https://www.c2ecampaign.com/ |url-status=dead}} the government to fund the development of a business case for the extension to Ebbsfleet,{{Cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/calls-for-crossrails-missing-link-to-be-extended-to-south-london-and-kent-a3959231.html |title=Calls for Crossrail's 'missing link' to be extended to south London and Kent |date=11 October 2018 |website=Evening Standard|location=London|access-date=8 March 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/15816494.important-crossrail-extension-through-dartford-listed-as-priority-for-government/ |title='Important' Crossrail extension through Dartford listed as priority for government |website=News Shopper |date=9 January 2018 }} with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan including the project in his Mayor's Transport Strategy.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cityam.com/278688/elizabeth-line-extension-plans-east-abbey-wood-back |title=Elizabeth Line extension plans east of Abbey Wood back in the spotlight |date=12 January 2018 |website=City AM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140616/http://www.cityam.com/278688/elizabeth-line-extension-plans-east-abbey-wood-back |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=10 December 2018}} The Mayor's Transport Strategy estimated that an extension could assist in delivering 55,000 new homes and 50,000 new jobs planned along the route in Bexley and north Kent.{{Cite web |url=https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/mayors-transport-strategy-2018.pdf |title=Mayor's Transport Strategy |date=March 2018 |website=London.gov.uk |access-date=8 March 2020}} In March 2019, the Government committed £4.8{{nbsp}}million on exploratory work into the extension as part of the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission.{{Cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/789048/Thames_Estuary_Commission_Response.pdf |title=Government response to the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission |date=March 2019 |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom}}

The following stations are on the protected route extension to Gravesend: {{Stnlnk|Belvedere}}, {{Stnlnk|Erith}}, {{Stnlnk|Slade Green}}, {{Stnlnk|Dartford}}, {{Stnlnk|Stone Crossing}}, {{Stnlnk|Greenhithe}} for Bluewater, {{Stnlnk|Swanscombe}}, Ebbsfleet, {{Stnlnk|Northfleet}}, and {{Stnlnk|Gravesend}}.{{cite web |url=http://74f85f59f39b887b696f-ab656259048fb93837ecc0ecbcf0c557.r23.cf3.rackcdn.com/assets/library/document/a/original/abbey_wood_to_hoo_junction_book_05-10-09_watermarked.pdf |title=Crossrail Safeguarding Directions Abbey Wood to Gravesend and Hoo Junction (Volume 4) |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-date=23 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223230215/http://74f85f59f39b887b696f-ab656259048fb93837ecc0ecbcf0c557.r23.cf3.rackcdn.com/assets/library/document/a/original/abbey_wood_to_hoo_junction_book_05-10-09_watermarked.pdf |url-status=dead}}

Network Rail's July 2011 London & South East Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) recommended that a short railway line could be built to connect the West Coast Main Line (WCML) with the Crossrail route. This would enable train services that currently run between {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}} and London Euston to be re-routed via Old Oak Common to serve central London, {{rws|Shenfield}} and {{rws|Abbey Wood}}. The report argued that this would free up capacity at Euston for the planned High Speed 2, reduce London Underground congestion at Euston, make better use of Crossrail's capacity west of Paddington, and improve access to Heathrow Airport from the north.Rail Utilisation Strategy, 2011, page 150. Under this scheme, all Crossrail trains would continue west of Paddington, instead of some of them terminating there. They would serve Heathrow Airport (10 tph), stations to Maidenhead and Reading (6 tph), and stations to Milton Keynes Central (8 tph).{{cite news |title='Emerging scenario' suggests Crossrail to the West Coast Main Line |work=Rail |location=Peterborough |page=8 |date=10 August 2011}}

In August 2014, a statement by transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin indicated that the government was actively evaluating the extension of Crossrail as far as {{rws|Tring}} and {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}}, with potential Crossrail stops at {{stn|Wembley Central}}, {{stn|Harrow & Wealdstone}}, {{rws|Bushey}}, {{rws|Watford Junction}}, {{rws|Kings Langley}}, {{rws|Apsley}}, {{rws|Hemel Hempstead}}, {{rws|Berkhamsted}}, {{rws|Tring}}, {{rws|Cheddington}}, {{rws|Leighton Buzzard}} and {{rws|Bletchley}}. The extension would relieve some pressure from London Underground and London Euston station while also increasing connectivity. Conditions to the extension were that any extra services should not affect the planned service pattern for confirmed routes, as well as affordability.{{cite news |title=Crossrail extension to Hertfordshire being considered |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-28680186 |access-date=7 August 2014 |publisher=BBC News |date=7 August 2014}}{{cite news |last1=Topham |first1=Gwyn |title=New Crossrail route mooted from Hertfordshire into London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/aug/07/crossrail-hertfordshire-london-euston-tring-hemel-hempstead |access-date=12 August 2014 |work=The Guardian|location=London |date=7 August 2014}} This proposal was shelved in August 2016 due to "poor overall value for money to the taxpayer".{{cite web |url=http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/crossrail-off-the-tracks-as-plans-are-shelved-1-7513704 |title=Crossrail off the tracks as plans are shelved |work=Hemel Today |publisher=Johnston Publishing |access-date=6 August 2016 |date=5 August 2016}}

As part of the Heathrow Southern Railway scheme proposed in 2017, the western extent of the Crossrail route could be extended beyond Heathrow Airport to terminate at {{rws|Staines}}. This extension would form part of a wider scheme to create new rail links in west London and Surrey serving Heathrow, and would require the construction of an extra platform at Staines station. This proposal has not been approved or funded.{{cite web |title=Service Opportunities |url=https://heathrowrail.com/service-opportunities/ |website=Heathrow Southern Railway |access-date=3 March 2019 |date=2017}}

Stobart Aviation, the company that previously operated Southend Airport in Essex, proposed that Crossrail should be extended beyond Shenfield along the Shenfield–Southend line to serve Southend Airport and {{rws|Southend Victoria}}. The company has suggested that a direct Heathrow-Southend link could alleviate capacity problems at Heathrow.{{cite news |last1=Lo |first1=Hsin-Yi |title=Extend Crossrail to Southend Airport |url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/15983785.extend-crossrail-to-southend-airport/ |date=9 February 2018 |work=Southend Echo |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516192907/https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/15983785.extend-crossrail-to-southend-airport/ |archive-date=16 May 2019 |url-status=live}} The extension proposal has been supported by Southend-on-Sea City Council.{{cite news |title=Council launches campaign to extend Crossrail to Southend-on-Sea |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/council-launches-campaign-to-extend-crossrail-to-southend-on-sea |access-date=22 June 2019 |work=Rail Technology Magazine |date=1 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622131234/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/council-launches-campaign-to-extend-crossrail-to-southend-on-sea |archive-date=22 June 2019 |url-status=live}}

Funding for the project came from:

• TfL
• Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy (a local tax charged on property developments across Greater London, with different charging rates for each London borough)Mayor of London – https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/implementing-london-plan/mayoral-community-infrastructure-levy
• Crossrail Business Rate Supplement (additional business rates)
• Section 106 Agreement payments
• Over-site development opportunities
• UK Government
• City of London Corporation
• Major landowners: Canary Wharf Group, Heathrow Airport Holdings, and Berkeley Homes.

Crossrail was built by Crossrail Ltd, jointly owned by TfL and the DfT until December 2008, when full ownership was transferred to TfL. In 2007, Crossrail had a £15.9{{nbsp}}billion funding package in place{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmcross/235/23514.htm |title=The future of Crossrail |date=5 November 2007 |publisher=House of Commons}} for the construction of the line. Although the branch lines to the west and to Shenfield will still be owned by Network Rail, the tunnel will be owned and operated by TfL.{{cite web |url=http://dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/greater-anglia/invitationtotender.pdf |title=Greater Anglia Franchise Invitation to Tender 21 April 2011 |url-status=dead |publisher=Department for Transport |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110504130908/http://dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/greater-anglia/invitationtotender.pdf |archive-date=4 May 2011}}

On 18 July 2014, TfL London Rail said that MTR Corp had won the concession to operate the services for eight years, with an option for two more years.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/mtr-selected-to-operate-crossrail-services.html |title=MTR selected to operate Crossrail services |date=18 July 2014 |magazine=Railway Gazette International |location=London |access-date=18 July 2014 |archive-date=26 July 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140726145907/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/mtr-selected-to-operate-crossrail-services.html |url-status=dead }} The concession will be similar to London Overground.{{cite press release |url=http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-moves-forward-with-major-train-depot-contract-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722105654/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/news/press-releases/crossrail-moves-forward-with-major-train-depot-contract-1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 July 2011 |title=Crossrail moves forward with major train and depot contract |publisher=Crossrail |date=1 December 2010}}{{primary source inline|date=October 2013}} It is planned for the franchise to run for eight years from May 2015, taking over control of Shenfield metro services from Abellio Greater Anglia in May 2015, and Reading / Heathrow services from Great Western Railway in 2018.{{cite web |url=http://londonreconnections.blogspot.com/2008/10/tfl-board-meeting-summary-dlr.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228232643/http://londonreconnections.blogspot.com/2008/10/tfl-board-meeting-summary-dlr.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 December 2010 |title=TfL Board Meeting Summary: DLR, Overground and Other Ways of Travelling |date=2 October 2008 |publisher=London Reconnections (blog)}}

In anticipation of a May 2015 transfer of Shenfield to Liverpool Street services from the East Anglia franchise to Crossrail, the invitation to tender for the 2012–2013 franchise required the new rail operator to set up a separate "Crossrail business unit" for those services before the end of 2012, to allow transfer of services to the new Crossrail Train Operating Concession (CTOC) operator during the next franchise.{{cite web |publisher=Department for Transpprt |url=http://www2.dft.gov.uk/consultations/archive/2010/2010-07/consultation.pdf |title=Greater Anglia Franchise Consultation January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110504123700/http://www2.dft.gov.uk/consultations/archive/2010/2010-07/consultation.pdf |archive-date=4 May 2011}}

The infrastructure of the core section is managed by Rail for London Infrastructure (RfLI), a subsidiary of TfL. Signalling is controlled by Network Rail's Romford Rail Operating Centre.{{Cite magazine |last1 = Rennie |first1 = Kim |title=London's newest railway – The Elizabeth line opens |magazine=Underground News |publication-date=2022 |issue=728 |pages=468–469 |issn=0306-8617}}

{{Portal|Engineering|Trains}}

• Crossrail 2 – second proposed Crossrail route providing a new north–south rail link across Greater London.
• The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway – a documentary about the Elizabeth line's construction and commissioning
• Transport in London

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite web |ref=RUS2011|url=https://cdn.prgloo.com/media/download/d16a1941ea3a40c2bac279049051e1cf |publisher=Network Rail |title=London & South East RUS (final) |page=9 |date=28 July 2011 |access-date=28 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128171405/https://cdn.prgloo.com/media/download/d16a1941ea3a40c2bac279049051e1cf |archive-date=28 November 2017 |url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/18/contents |title=Crossrail Act 2008 |publisher=The National Archives}}
• {{Cite web |url=http://billdocuments.crossrail.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213205419/http://billdocuments.crossrail.co.uk/ |archive-date=13 February 2009 |title=Crossrail Bill supporting documents}}
• {{Cite news |publisher=BBC News |date=20 June 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/3910091.stm |title=Government backs £10bn Crossrail}}
• {{Cite news |publisher=BBC News |date=20 June 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/3911005.stm |title=Will Crossrail beat the Tube? |first1 = Tom |last1 = Geoghegan}}
• {{Cite news |publisher=BBC News |date=13 February 2005 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4261701.stm |title=Crossrail link 'to get go-ahead'}}
• {{Cite news |publisher=BBC News |date=22 February 2005 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4289139.stm |title=First Crossrail bill for Commons}}
• {{Cite news |publisher=BBC News |date=7 April 2005 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/england/4421997.stm |title=Election holds up Crossrail bill}}
• {{Cite news |publisher=BBC News |date=17 May 2005 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/4036327.stm |title=Crossrail plan in Queen's Speech}}
• {{Cite news |publisher=BBC News |date=2 January 2012 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16289051 |title=Crossrail's giant tunnelling machines unveiled}}
• {{Cite news |title=Crossrail: A rare look deep under London |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-21196455 |format=video |publisher=BBC News |date=25 January 2013 |access-date=26 January 2013}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website}}

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{{Transport in London}}

{{Current rail infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom}}

{{Rail franchises in Great Britain}}

{{Britishmetros}}

{{Airport rail links in the United Kingdom}}

{{Department for Transport}}

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Category:London Rail

Category:Rail infrastructure in London

Category:Railway operators in London

Category:Underground commuter rail