Network Rail has begun work on the Stockley Interchange in west London, a ‘crucial part’ of the Crossrail network that will allow Crossrail services to operate to and from Heathrow.
When Crossrail services begin, even more trains will travel along the Great Western main line so work is needed to improve capacity.
The current junction at Stockley allows trains to leave the main line and continue to Heathrow Airport.
Network Rail, on behalf of Crossrail Limited, will build a new single track viaduct for all trains from Heathrow towards London. Work is due to complete in 2017. Existing train services to Heathrow will continue to run throughout.
Stockley Interchange will allow Crossrail trains to join the branch to Heathrow without delaying – or being delayed by – fast trains to the west, thus increasing ‘capacity and reliability on the extremely busy Great Western main line’.
Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network, covering 70km (43.5 miles) of track and 28 stations from Maidenhead in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.
