The NLE team ran the first train along the tracks of the new NLE railway
A London Underground Limited (LUL) Engineering train, 136m in length, ran from Ruislip into the NLE tunnel and as far as the Kennington Green shaft. This has been the first train to enter the new branch through the step plate junction (SPJ) points and track installed over the 20-day shut down, during Christmas 2017, on the Kennington loop of the Northern line.
The train delivered over 1000m of long welded rails to be installed in the tunnel without a single incident. Using the electric locomotives offered significant environmental benefits as it saved having numerous trucks travel through central London. The team also eliminated the need for 60 thermite welds underground with this delivery alone.
“This is a major milestone that the entire team can be proud of. Everyone involved has demonstrated a ‘can-do’ attitude, exemplary communication and collaboration. Let us all take forward the experience, the lessons we have learnt along the way and the dedication shown time and again as the NLE continues to progress from a tunneling and civils project into a railway environment.”
The Northern Line Extension (NLE) is improving transport links in London Underground’s Northern line and is essential to support the transformation of Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea in the South Bank.
