Powering the Railway
A dedicated team of engineers worked around the clock to install the 25kV overhead traction power system.
Each Elizabeth line train will draw power in the tunnels from the rigid overhead aluminium alloy conductor bar which houses copper contact wire. These bars are currently being installed in 10 metre sections.
The main power supply in the tunnels under central London comes from two new bulk supply points and their associated autotransformer feeder stations which are being built at each end of the new railway along with autotransformer sites in east and southeast London.
Over 1,500km of cable is being used to supply power, lighting and ventilation systems to the new railway.
Gallery - Powering Britain's newest railway
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01 Overhead catenary system installed in Thames Tunnel_271050 -
02 Cable management systems installed in Stepney Green eastbound cavern_270034 -
03 Installing overhead catenary system in the Thames Tunnel_246114 -
04 Installing overhead catenary system in the Connaught Tunnel_266101 -
05 Installing overhead catenary system in the Thames Tunnel_246115 -
06 Cable management systems installed in Crossrail tunnel_268041 -
07 Overhead catenary system installed in Thames Tunnel_271049 -
08 Installing overhead catenary system in the Connaught Tunnel_266104 -
09 Installing overhead catenary system in the Connaught Tunnel_266100 -
10 Installing overhead catenary system in the Connaught Tunnel_266105 -
11 New gantry installed over tracks at entrance to Victoria Dock Portal_267905 -
12 Cabling being installed in entrance to Thames Tunnel_267909 -
13 Overhead catenary system brackets and cable trays installed in entrance to Thames Tunnel_262252 -
14 Overhead catenary system brackets and cable trays installed in entrance to Thames Tunnel_266095 -
15 Overhead catenary system brackets and cable trays installed in entrance to Thames Tunnel_270016 -
16 Overhead catenary system brackets and cable trays installed in entrance to Thames Tunnel_257627 -
17 High voltage switchegear installed at Plumstead_267878 -
18 High voltage switchgear installed at Plumstead_257608 -
19 Control room being inspected prior to commissioning_270000 -
20 Auto transformer and high voltage switchgear installed at Plumstead_270001
