Towards the end of the autumn, Network Rail had a survey helicopter in the air over London. As regular readers will know, the staff here at LR towers have a bit of a soft spot …
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.
In Pictures: The ELL Extension to Highbury and Islington
TfL recently provided an opportunity for various parties to see the work that has taken place on the new extension of the ELL to Highbury and Islington. Unfortunately we were unable to attend due to …
Continue readingTfL Consults on Bank Retunnelling
TfL have confirmed that they have begun consultation with the City of London on proposed retunnelling works at Bank station. Although full details are not yet available, it appears that the intention is to carry …
Continue readingThe London Reconnections Christmas Quiz
Let both dings and dongs sound merrily from somewhere up above – for Christmas is here once again and, with a regularity that certain rail franchises can only envy, that means it is time for …
Continue readingCrossrail Awards Tunnelling Contracts
Crossrail have confirmed that they have awarded two of the main tunnelling contracts for the Line. The contracts in question are C300, which covers the western running tunnels between Royal Oak and Farringdon, and C305, …
Continue readingIn Video: A Central Line Rail Treatment Train
A number of 1962-stock units were retained as Rail Treatment Trains on the Central Line after the fleet was withdrawn from service. The video below shows one out-and-about at Theydon Bois yesterday. The originally silver …
Continue readingCrossrail Rolling Stock Tender is Issued
Crossrail have issued a tender notice for the line’s Rolling Stock, depot and maintenance facilities. Published in the OJEU today, the notice covers the provision of rolling stock for the line, as well as on-board …
Continue readingIn Video: Epping to Ongar,
Apropos of nothing other than perhaps the fact that its Friday, below is footage shot on the last day of Central Line service between Epping and Ongar back in 1994 (with 3-car 1960 stock running). …
Continue readingDeal to Enable Mobile Phones on Jubilee and Central Lines Reportedly Near
Cellular News are reporting that TfL are nearing an agreement with all four major mobile phone networks to bring mobile coverage to certain areas of the Underground. Reportedly, the deal would see phone coverage brought …
Continue readingThameslink Confirmed as Hammond Announces More Rail Spend
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond revealed details today of a number of rail projects for which news had been missing since the Spending Review. Most notable in the announcement was confirmation that Thameslink will indeed be …
Continue readingCrossrail Designs: Pictures and a New Exhibition
A public exhibition, which shows various images of the new Crossrail Stations on the central section of the line, has now opened at The Building Centre in London. The Exhibition is open until the 8th …
Continue readingCrossrail Designs: Paddington
Design Team: Scot Wilson / Weston Williamson / Gillespies The station largely sits under Eastbourne Terrace and Departures Road and the design is intended to be open and “pedestrian friendly.”
Continue readingCrossrail Designs: Bond Street
Design Team: WSP / John McAslan & Partners Bond Street will have two ticket halls and, as can be seen, a colonade effect. Enigmatically, according to the design factsheets, it will also have “technology walls” …
Continue readingCrossrail Designs: Tottenham Court Road
Design Team: Arup Atkins / Hawkins Brown Some of these we’ve seen before. The Western Ticket Hall (on Dean Street) is apparently intended to represent an obvious focal point when coming out of Soho, through …
Continue readingCrossrail Designs: Farringdon
Design Team: Scott Wilson / Aedas / Burns & Nice According to the design team: The design approach has sought to celebrate the industries and crafts that have defined Farringdon over the years, from the …
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