THE first test trains ran on the Northern Line extension of London Underground over Christmas, and the successful trips through 3.2km of tunnels from the new step-plate junction at Kennington to Nine Elms and Battersea were described as a ‘major milestone’.
The trains were able to reverse at Battersea Power Station, as they will in service, using a new crossover junction.
The new route is the first addition to the London Underground network since the Jubilee Line extension opened in 1999, and other achievements over the past year have included energising the conductor rails and commissioning the latest version of signalling software, while fitting-out has continued at the two new stations.
The line is scheduled to open this autumn. Deputy mayor for transport Heidi Alexander said: ‘Last year was one of the hardest in TfL’s history so it’s great to start 2021 on a positive footing, not least because the extension will support thousands of new jobs and homes for our city.’