Making way for Crossrail

Time-lapsed footage shows bridge demolitions to create space for overhead electrics

Three rail bridges in Slough and Hillingdon were demolished over the Christmas period as part of preparations for the arrival of new electric Crossrail trains.

The 73 mile route runs from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 13 mile tunnels below central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. However, a number of existing rail bridges need to be removed and rebuilt to ensure that they provide clearance for the overhead electric equipment that will be required.

Network Rail has demolished the Middlegreen Road and Trenches bridges in Slough and the Old Stockley Road Bridge in Hillingdon and will be installing new bridges at Easter. Diversions have been put in place and a temporary footbridge installed next to Middlegreen Road Bridge. The new Horton Bridge, also in Hillingdon, has been installed alongside the existing one, which will be demolished at Easter.

Crossrail services are due to commence through central London in 2018. The new line will increase London's rail-based transport network capacity by 10%, and cut journey times across the city.

Network rail say the Crossrail trains will be quieter, smoother and more reliable than the existing diesel suburban trains.

Jorge Mendonça, Network Rail’s Crossrail programme director said: “This marks an important step for our Crossrail works, as we prepare to electrify the route, providing passengers with an improved and more reliable service.”

• For more information about the Crossrail project see www.crossrail.co.uk