Crossrail - Construction updates and progress towards opening (now expected 24 May 2022)

[rd749249]

Of the three turnbacks, turnback A approaching SN95 is the only through route of the turnbacks. The other two are dead-ends. CBTC ends after the turnbacks and east/westbound lines.

Additionally, on the page below is the COS rulebook. It contains amendments and omissions from the NR rule book that as drivers we must follow. There are significant differences, especially around degraded operations. An example of this is when being rescued, the failed train driver no longer lays protection (no dets allowed in the tunnels) or walks 300 metres with red flag/torch but stays in the cab until the assisting train arrives.

Elizabeth line Rule Book

The Elizabeth line Rule Book is used by train operators running services on the Crossrail Central Operating Section

tfl.gov.uk

Trail running has been delayed with no firm date to commence at this time, though the company is hopeful it will do so in April.

 

[Horizon22]

Recently updated is the webpage relating to Railway Safety Case ahead of trial running

Trial Running marks the point at which the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (ROGS) apply for the first time in the Central Operating Section. This means Crossrail moves from following the construction regulations to following Rail regulations.

Welcome to Crossrail

Crossrail Ltd has delivered the Elizabeth line - a new railway for London and the South East, running from Reading and Heathrow in the west, through 42km of new tunnels under London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. The Elizabeth line has 41 accessible stations including 10 major new...

www.crossrail.co.uk

It now appears various other documents are now public, such as the line diagrams with speed profiles etc, Series of 6 starting from Westbourne Park and heading eastwards. I hadn't realised there is a third turnback siding at Westbourne Park which is actually a loop (which presumably allows trains to be overtaken if required)

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/ccos-signalling-notice-plan-1-of-6.pdf

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/ccos-signalling-notice-plan-2-of-6.pdf

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/ccos-signalling-notice-plan-3-of-6.pdf

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/ccos-signalling-notice-plan-4-of-6.pdf

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/ccos-signalling-notice-plan-5-of-6.pdf

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/ccos-signalling-notice-plan-6-of-6.pdf

Yes Turnback "A" is technically a through line as well as a Turnback to connect to the Up and Down Relief lines. Imagine it just gives some extra resilience upon entering the portal.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

An example of this is when being rescued, the failed train driver no longer lays protection (no dets allowed in the tunnels) or walks 300 metres with red flag/torch but stays in the cab until the assisting train arrives.



Trail running has been delayed with no firm date to commence at this time, though the company is hopeful it will do so in April.

Nice to see we are moving on from Victorian times

Wilds optimism on trial running last week didn't last long. We should have had Marchs TfL update to London Assembly by now so wonder what his excuse will be to them this month and whether any reasons will be given

 

[Mojo]

Big moment last night that as from 00.01 hrs the central operating section infrastructure was transferred from Crossrail to Rail for London Infrastructure, taking the relevant section towards being an operational railway rather than a construction site.

Much of the best month will be trials of operational procedures (possessions, OLE isolations and so on) more aimed at developing skills for the control room staff, rather than train operations.

 

[Aictos]

What does that mean for the opening of the line to passenger services? Is it likely we see such services this year's or is that too hopeful?

 

[Taunton]

Much of the next month will be trials of operational procedures (possessions, OLE isolations and so on) more aimed at developing skills for the control room staff, rather than train operations.

So another excuse for delaying trial running? And another month for Jacobs to carry on billing for their oversight as the timelines are spun out?

Whatever happened to the Andy Byford "get on with it and get at least the core running in 2021" attitude? Looks like he was trumped by those with vested interests.

 

[matt_world2004]

So another excuse for delaying trial running? And another month for Jacobs to carry on billing for their oversight as the timelines are spun out?

Whatever happened to the Andy Byford "get on with it and get at least the core running in 2021" attitude? Looks like he was trumped by those with vested interests.

It sounds like it would have been always the plan to get staff trained up in operations procedures before trial running. Better to have a safe railway than a rushed unsafe one.

 

[Mojo]

So another excuse for delaying trial running? And another month for Jacobs to carry on billing for their oversight as the timelines are spun out?

The second sentence in the video posted above (post #107) said that trial running is “moving from a construction to an operational railway, overseen by TfL.” So it sounds based upon that that this is the start of that phase.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

It sounds like it would have been always the plan to get staff trained up in operations procedures before trial running. Better to have a safe railway than a rushed unsafe one.

Of course it needs to be safe but that should be a given and not be used as an excuse for delay unless something unexpected is found. Clearly getting staff trained across every part of this project is key plank to underpin the safe operation of the service so that should have been part of the plan. In reality it certainly was so the fact its only just starting tells you they've experienced some slippage for whatever reason. The deeper issue here is that Crossrail aren't being open and transparent and my read is now TfL are in the driving seat they are aiding and abetting this behaviour or in reality probably setting teh agenda in advance of the mayoral elections.

 

[Class 170101]

Of course it needs to be safe but that should be a given and not be used as an excuse for delay unless something unexpected is found. Clearly getting staff trained across every part of this project is key plank to underpin the safe operation of the service so that should have been part of the plan. In reality it certainly was so the fact its only just starting tells you they've experienced some slippage for whatever reason. The deeper issue here is that Crossrail aren't being open and transparent and my read is now TfL are in the driving seat they are aiding and abetting this behaviour or in reality probably setting teh agenda in advance of the mayoral elections.

Are they allowed to be 'open' at this time? Does Purdah regulatuions not apply here due to mayoral elections (amongst other elections)?

 

[SynthD]

Of course it needs to be safe but that should be a given and not be used as an excuse for delay unless something unexpected is found. Clearly getting staff trained across every part of this project is key plank to underpin the safe operation of the service so that should have been part of the plan. In reality it certainly was so the fact its only just starting tells you they've experienced some slippage for whatever reason. The deeper issue here is that Crossrail aren't being open and transparent and my read is now TfL are in the driving seat they are aiding and abetting this behaviour or in reality probably setting teh agenda in advance of the mayoral elections.

I don't understand what is the difference between a given or an excuse. I had understood that TfL learned about the poor progress when the Mayor was allowed to finally look inside the closed box of Crossrail Ltd, and there's not much graceful point in pointing it out when they could be solving it.

 

[Snow1964]

Are they allowed to be 'open' at this time? Does Purdah regulatuions not apply here due to mayoral elections (amongst other elections)?

Purdah doesn’t stop factual monthly reports and statistics being issued and published.

But what you can’t do is make statements and interpretations that could be see seen as favouring a party or candidate. So no press releases mentioning report, or highlighting selected parts.

Of course some will play safe and just issue nothing during purdah.

 

[kevin_roche]

Does anyone know if all the shafts and portals are now ready to handover or have been handed over to TfL Infrastructure yet?

 

[Snow1964]

TfL rail is suspended until Friday 9th April between Liverpool Street and Stratford

I think once line reopens 9car trains will be able to run into Liverpool Street (but there will be one less platform). The conversion to 9car operation is expected in about 5 weeks time.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

TfL rail is suspended until Friday 9th April between Liverpool Street and Stratford

I think once line reopens 9car trains will be able to run into Liverpool Street (but there will be one less platform). The conversion to 9car operation is expected in about 5 weeks time.

That will give them something else to crow about instead of explaining when Crossrail will actually open

 

[JonathanH]

The conversion to 9car operation is expected in about 5 weeks time.

As pointed out before, there doesn't appear to be any practical means by which conversion from 7-car to 9-car operation can be achieved in one step. What is more likely from 5 weeks time is the start of 9-car operation. Postings by other people have indicated that drivers have been trained on the west side of London. However, there doesn't appear to have been much, if any, testing of 9-car units (outside of Crossrail possessions which is different) in normal traffic on the east side yet.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

As pointed out before, there doesn't appear to be any practical means by which conversion from 7-car to 9-car operation can be achieved in one step. What is more likely from 5 weeks time is the start of 9-car operation. Postings by other people have indicated that drivers have been trained on the west side of London. However, there doesn't appear to have been much, if any, testing of 9-car units (outside of Crossrail possessions which is different) in normal traffic on the east side yet.

They don't need to test them and what training do drivers need a briefing to say which platforms have changed stopping points for 9 car formations. All you got was time to read section C of the WON in the past to find out if the stop boards had been moved.

 

[Dstock7080]

Tottenham Court Road hoped to be handed over to TfL on 5 May.

Trial Operations (not trial running) expected to start 24 September.

 

[CapitalStar378]

How long would trial operations run for?

 

[kevin_roche]

How long would trial operations run for?

I think I remember reading somewhere that Trial Operations is supposed to run for about 2 months. It starts after Trial Running. I will see if I can find the source in my notes.

 

[CapitalStar378]

Thanks, so a possible late October opening for the central section

 

[matt_world2004]

Thanks, so a possible late October opening for the central section

The earliest they could open the central section based on trial operations starting in late October would be for the December network rail timetable change. Iirc despite only the core being open there would still be some interfaces with the network rail infrastructure for depot moves, etc etc

 

[JonathanH]

The earliest they could open the central section based on trial operations starting in late October would be for the December network rail timetable change. Iirc despite only the core being open there would still be some interfaces with the network rail infrastructure for depot moves, etc etc

Depot moves, from Old Oak Depot, are needed for any kind of intensive running in the Core, and are timetabled for trial running in the open data feeds, currently from 26 April at the earliest.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...21-04-26/0200-0159?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt


[Screenshot from Realtimetrains showing six planned empty stock movements from Old Oak Depot to 'Paddington Crossrail' between 0525 and 0633 on 26 April 2021]

It doesn't appear that the requirements would be different for trial operations, rather than trial running.

Should I take it that 'trial operations' means running to a planned timetable, whereas 'trial running' means doing lots of different scenario tests which aren't like a scheduled timetable?

 

[kevin_roche]

The earliest they could open the central section based on trial operations starting in late October would be for the December network rail timetable change. Iirc despite only the core being open there would still be some interfaces with the network rail infrastructure for depot moves, etc etc

Won't this also be needed for Trial Running and Trial Operations?

Should I take it that 'trial operations' means running to a planned timetable, whereas 'trial running' means doing lots of different scenario tests which aren't like a scheduled timetable?

It means actually having trial passengers who attempt to navigate the system.

 

[matt_world2004]

Won't this also be needed for Trial Running and Trial Operations?

I presume that trial operations would have a certain element of flexibility of when they start and finish the trial operations and not based on customer demand. .trial running/operations is about running the service at a intensity required for a full service not actually running a full service day

The previous opening date for the core was during a network rail timetable change with the trial running and operations happening before the timetable change.

 

[samulih]

Trial Running is vital to unlocking the pathway to passenger service. It involves multiple trains operating in the central operating section to demonstrate that the railway is capable of reliably meeting the capacity and other requirements, whilst the final works to the stations are completed.

The initial phase of Trial Running will see a limited number of trains in operation on the central operating section to allow the infrastructure manager, TfL, to undertake a number of activities to achieve full readiness. The number of trains will gradually increase before further activities such as timetable operation, timetable demonstrations and integration testing can be undertaken.

Outstanding works have been scheduled into the programme and will take place during the Trial Running period. These works include a combination of project maintenance, snagging and enhancements and some testing and commissioning activity.

There will also be four train signalling software upgrades during Trial Running and time has been allocated in the Trial Running programme for each to be tested as appropriate and deployed

Once Trial Running has completed, a final phase known as Trial Operations will commence, which will involve over 150 scenarios in which volunteers will help validate the emergency evacuation processes in our trains, tunnels, shafts and stations.

 

[matt_world2004]

There appeared to be a freight train in the core sidings today. (It looked like the type of hopper used for carrying road salt?

 

[JonathanH]

There appeared to be a freight train in the core sidings today. (It looked like the type of hopper used for carrying road salt?

Also two 345s (345025 and 345053 going by headcode in Plumstead sidings) went from Paddington to Abbey Wood / Plumstead which are the first 345 moves in the Core since 28 March. Two have come back to Old Oak Depot (345054 and 345027 I think).

Current occupants of Plumstead sidings suggested here by 9Yxx headcodes to be 345053, 345025, 345069 and 345037.

[Picture shows screenshot of Plumstead sidings from signalmaps with headcodes 9Y53, 9Y25, 9Y69 and 9Y37 - ignore 5Y33 (345033 is at Gidea Park)]

 

[matt_world2004]

Also two 345s (345025 and 345053 going by headcode in Plumstead sidings) went from Paddington to Abbey Wood / Plumstead which are the first 345 moves in the Core since 28 March. Two have come back to Old Oak Depot (345054 and 345027 I think).

Current occupants of Plumstead sidings suggested here by 9Yxx headcodes to be 345053, 345025, 345069 and 345037.
View attachment 94835
[Picture shows screenshot of Plumstead sidings from signalmaps with headcodes 9Y53, 9Y25, 9Y69 and 9Y37 - ignore 5Y33 (345033 is at Gidea Park)]

This was in the royal Oak end of the line , it was under the sheltered area created by westbourne park bus garage

 

[3973EXL]

There appeared to be a freight train in the core sidings today. (It looked like the type of hopper used for carrying road salt?

0502 Angerstein - Paddn Yd Marcon Topmix aka Padd New Yd 0844
Rtn 1306 - Hither Green 1532

Can also be Tunstead workings. Nothing to do with Crossrail & their tracks.
Terminal was in operation long before Crossrail but rail deliveries creased during the construction period.