Newly-released images have revealed how the new Crossrail line will look when it is first unveiled.
Artists' impressions of the route, which is to be named the Elizabeth Line after the Queen, reveal futuristic-looking platforms, with curved entrances and walkways.
According to the Crossrail website, each station will have "its own, distinct character, conceived by different architects and each will reflect the environment and heritage of the local area".
For example, the new station at Paddington will echo the design legacy of Brunel’s existing terminus building, while the new Farringdon station will take inspiration from the historic local trades of blacksmiths and goldsmiths.
Mike Brown, London's Transport Commissioner, said: “The TfL-run Elizabeth line will transform travel across London, reducing journey times, relieving congestion on the Tube network, and radically improving step-free access with brand new accessible stations.
"This exhibition will enable customers to really start to see what their new stations will look like when they open in 2018, giving a real insight into the huge transport improvements to come.”
Julian Robinson, Head of Architecture, Crossrail Limited, said: “The Crossrail project has worked with world-leading architects and designers to deliver a new railway that draws upon the fantastic transport architectural heritage of London and London Underground with each station reflecting the distinct character of the surrounding area and presenting a common line identity.”
The first section of the Elizabeth Line between Liverpool Street and Shenfield has already opened, albeit under the branding of TFL Rail.
Here’s the timeline for the other openings…
- May 2017: The first new train enters passenger service.
- May 2018: TfL Rail service opens between Paddington (National Rail) and Heathrow Terminal 4, replacing the existing Heathrow Connect service and part of the Great Western inner suburban service.
- December 2018: The Elizabeth line opens between Paddington and Abbey Wood.
- May 2019: The Elizabeth line extends from Shenfield to Paddington.
- December 2019: The Elizabeth line is fully open, extending to Reading and Heathrow Terminal 4.
Transport for London's (TfL) newest version of the Underground map shows how the capital's transport will look by 2019 once the £15bn project is fully complete.
