First Crossrail tracks laid

The first piece of new track has been laid as part of the £14.8 billion Crossrail project on the Stockley Flyover.

From next year, the flyover, which sits above the Great Western main line at Hillingdon, will allow Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect services to rejoin the main line without affecting other trains.

Matthew White, surface director at Crossrail, said: “Installing the first section of Crossrail track is a major milestone for the project.

“The flyover at Stockley will provide a vital new link between Heathrow and London, significantly improving connections between the airport and the West End, the City and Canary Wharf.”

Crossrail will launch direct services between London Paddington and Heathrow from May 2018 when operator MTR takes over the Heathrow Connect service.