Crossrail has started the tunnel drive from Limmo Peninsula, beside Canning Town station, towards Victoria Dock Portal in east London.
The 900m-long tunnel forms a part of the south-east spur of London’s new rail line and begins from a 35m-deep access shaft alongside the River Lea, and will run to Victoria Dock Portal, where the Crossrail tracks reach Custom House station.
Crossrail will have completed approximately 80% of its rail tunnels, following the completion of this tunnel.
Crossrail chief executive Andrew Wolstenholme said: "The end is now in sight for Crossrail’s tunnelling marathon. While this is our shortest tunnel drive, it still forms an important part of Crossrail’s south-east spur, which will bring tremendous benefits to Docklands and south-east London."
The UK Government, the Mayor of London and Transport for London are investing in Crossrail and other transport infrastructure, in order to support access to jobs, education, housing and to boost economic growth.
When Crossrail opens in 2018, it will increase London’s rail-based transport network capacity by 10%, as well as lower journey times across the city.
Image: Second tunnel drive to begin at Limmo. Photo: courtesy of Crossrail.
