Crossrail release new images showing construction progress

New photos have been uploaded to the Crossrail Flickr page showing progress at various station sites.

Woolwich is more or less complete externally.

Patterns on cladding surrounding the entrance is taken from the interior of a barrel and references the Arsenal’s history.

On the picture below we can see that refurbishment of the listed Officers’ House is almost complete.

Berkeley Homes originally sought to demolish this building for a taxi stand. It will now have restaurant on the ground floor and homes above and behind.

It’s a handsome building and will now live a productive life offering new homes and leisure in an area of high footfall.

Canary Wharf looks complete with the exception of minor work here and there.

There’s a number of floors of shops and restaurants above the site who will be desperate for opening (aren’t we all?).

Paddington still has a sizable number of workers on site. When the Elizabeth Line does open, it’ll be a quick trip from Abbey Wood and Woolwich to this station then a smooth interchange with Great Western Rail for trains to Oxford, Bath, Bristol, south Wales and the south west. Or Reading if you’re so inclined.

The latest estimate for opening is a six month window from October 2020 to March 2021 – with March 2021 as the more likely. That’s due to signal integration which is still throwing up numerous issues to overcome.

Running a site alone takes time and a fair bit of money. Adverts are far from enough to cover it and my living costs as a private renter.