In recent months we have covered Crossrail Tunneling and Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) quite extensively. One part of the process we haven’t really looked at in depth, however, is where the excavated material ultimately ends up.
Continue readingAuthor: John Bull
John Bull is the Editor of London Reconnections. A transport journalist and historian, his writing often focuses on the political or strategic challenges facing London's transport network and beyond.
TfL Looking to Phase Out Road-Side Ticket Machines
It appears that TfL are currently looking to remove road-side ticket machines (RTMs) on the bus network, with a public consultation on this now online here. RTMs are largely a legacy of the pre-Oyster age, …
Continue readingOff Site: London Transport Posters at Christies
It appears that the LTM are looking to auction off a number of excess posters from their archive, with the funds raised being ringfenced for future acquisitions. Whilst unfortunately the decorating budget here at LR Towers doesn’t stretch far enough to allow us to take part in the auction itself, the online catalogue is well worth a look.
Continue readingIn Pictures: The Waterloo Mezzanine
With talk of improvements to both track layout and platforms as a result of the HLOS 2 statement, it is easy to forget that Waterloo has actually already seen some work recently. It may not …
Continue readingHLOS Highlights Part 2: Final Points
Given the extensive discussion of the HLOS that has already now developed elsewhere in the comments on this site, there is perhaps little left to add to the topic here – instead,those looking for a …
Continue readingHLOS Highlights Part 1: The Orange Elephant in the Room
Yesterday saw final confirmation of the contents of the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) 2012, the DfT’s outline of work to be carried out on the railways between April 2014 and March 2019 (Control Period …
Continue readingIn Pictures: The S7 Stock In Passenger Service
Last week saw the 7-car S-Stock (S7) run in passenger service for the first time. As much a PR event as a test exercise (not least because the S7s are not yet cleared to run beyond Liverpool Street), it nonetheless represented a major milestone in the rollout of the new stock. Some pictures of the train in service can be found below.
Continue readingA Look Under Kingsway
Our previous excursion into the disused City Widened Lines beneath Smithfield prompted a certain amount of thought. The opportunity arose thanks to the need to carry out compensation grouting ahead of the passage of the Crossrail TBMs below, leading to the Line’s being temporarily occupied by Crossrail themselves as a worksite. Given the length and route of the Crossrail tunnels therefore, and the likely need for grouting elsewhere, what other sites within the City might this present a rare chance to take a closer look at? It was Crossrail themselves who swiftly spotted a similar opportunity and helpfully arranged access – the Kingsway Tram Tunnel.
Continue readingCable Car Opens
Following on from last week’s post confirming the opening details, the new Cable Car is now officially open. Staying true to our general intention to not write about things that have already been covered rather …
Continue readingELLX2 Testing Begins on the Overground
Train testing on the East London Line Extension (Phase 2) between Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction has now begun. The route was fully electrified at the weekend, and the first 378 ran on Sunday. Driver training will begin shortly, and further testing will now take place, ahead of the extension’s official opening in December.
Continue readingIn Video: Second TBM Moved Forward at Royal Oak
With the first TBM now gradually heading underground at Royal Oak, the second TBM has now been moved forward into position. Ada will not begin the second bore yet, as it’ll be a little while …
Continue readingTfL Confirm Cable Car Launch Details
TfL have confirmed the launch details for the new Cable Car linking Greenwich and the Royal Docks. We have written about the Cable Car throughout its slightly troubled gestation, and will be returning to the …
Continue readingOffsite: Diamond Geezer on 100 Years of the 38
It appears that the weekend just passed was the 100th anniversary of London Bus Route 38 – an anniversary we’re embarrassed to admit we hadn’t spotted was imminent. Luckily Diamond Geezer didn’t, and thus those …
Continue readingIn Pictures: Work at Finsbury Park
We’ll look in more detail at the work being undertaken to bring the old island platform at Finsbury Park back into service at a later date. In the meantime, however, some photos of the current state of affairs can be found below. Interestingly, it appears that the work has uncovered some of the original platform arches.
Continue readingWarminster – Imber Village Routemaster Special Service
After yesterday highlighting the “Beck and Beyond” talk at the LTM, it seemed only fair to highlight something for the more omnibuphile members of the LR readership – Imberbus, the annual Warminster – Imber Village Routemaster Special Service on Monday 4th June.
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