PHOTOS: Crossrail progresses as engineers fit overhead electrics

New photos from the construction of London’s newest underground railway were released on Monday, as engineers continued to work around the clock on the Elizabeth line in time for next year’s opening.

The latest part of the project involved the installation of the 2 x 25kV overhead traction power system - something seldom seen on London’s subterranean routes, where most trains are powered by third and fourth rails.

“Each Elizabeth line train will draw power in the tunnels from the rigid overhead catenary system’s aluminium alloy conductor bar which houses copper contact wire,” said a spokesperson for Crossrail, the Transport for London division construction the line.

“These bars are currently being installed in 10 metre sections.”

The main power supply in the tunnels under central London would come from two new bulk supply points, and their associated autotransformer feeder stations, which were being built at each end of the new railway along with autotransformer sites in east and southeast London, Crossrail said.

More than 1,500km of cable is being used to supply power, lighting and ventilation systems to the new railway.

The Elizabeth line will run across London once open, between Reading and Heathrow Airport in the west, and Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

It will partly run on existing National Rail track, and partly through a new multi-billion pound tunnel underneath central London.

Last week, commuters were treated to their first rides on the new Elizabeth line trains, as TfL Rail began testing the Class 345 in service on the Great Eastern commuter routes out of Liverpool Street, which will form part of the Elizabeth line when it fully opens.