Crossrail to be named Elizabeth Line

Crossrail, which will run from Reading and Heathrow to Shenfield and Abby Wood, is to be named the Elizabeth Line, in honour of the Queen.

The name was announced as the Queen visited Bond Street to meet staff and view construction of the line, alongside Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

A purple colour theme for the line was also revealed, which is expected to carry 200 million passengers a year once construction is complete.

The first section of the line, running between Liverpool Street and Shenfield in Essex, will be known as Crossrail, with the route officially becoming the Elizabeth line when trains start running through central London, which is expected in December 2018.

Work began on the £15 billion line in 2009, which is reportedly more than 70 per cent complete, with Tunnelling now finished and focus shifting to fitting out the 40 stations on the line.

The line will run 24 trains an hour when fully operational and is projected to add £42 billion to the British economy.

It is expected to bring an extra 1.5 million people within 45 minutes commute of London’s key employment districts, with journey times to Heathrow terminals 1,2 and 3 taking 20-29 minutes from Bond Street.

Mike Brown, London Transport Commissioner, said: “The Elizabeth line will transform the way people get across our city. In running this important new railway we will ensure that it serves as a fitting tribute to Her Majesty the Queen.”

Terry Morgan, chairman of Crossrail, said: “Construction for the new railway is now over 70 per cent complete. The opening of the Elizabeth line in 2018 will be a significant moment for London.”