Engineers today installed the final piece of permanent Crossrail track as Europe’s biggest construction project neared completion.
More than 1,000 workers have lain almost 32 miles of new track as part of work to build the £14.8 billion rail link.
Trains will run on the line under the centre of the capital from December next year, with a full service linking Reading and Heathrow in the west with Essex in the east beginning operation in December 2019.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling attached the last clips on the new track in a ceremony 35 metres below ground at Whitechapel station on Thursday.
He said: "The Elizabeth line will transform rail transport in London with better and faster journeys for passengers and the official completion of the track is a hugely significant milestone towards delivering this scheme on time and within available funding.
"But this isn't just a success story for London. Crossrail, Europe's biggest construction project, has created jobs and driven economic growth across the UK with companies based here winning 96 per cent of the scheme's contracts."
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: "The completion of the Elizabeth line track is a huge milestone on the way to finishing a project that will transform transport across London and the South East.
"With brand new trains and step-free stations, the Elizabeth line will provide a truly world-class service for passengers, and this important landmark is testament to the hard work and expertise of all the men and women who have been working on the project."
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