London Underground’s new extension of the Northern line is continuing, and some updates about progress have recently been provided.
Although the works stopped during the lockdown, they resumed swiftly, and while much of the contingency was used up, so long as there’s not a second lockdown, they are still on target to open the line next Autumn.
In addition to works on the two new stations and the two ventilation shafts, the main goal by the end of this year will be to complete the railway tracks.
The main objective will be on preparing for the start of testing systems, once track power has been energised. Engineering trains will then be able to run the full length of the Northern Line Extension from Kennington to Batterseain early 2021
They will also begin dynamic testing along the new extension using test trains between Kennington and Battersea.
Over at Nine Elms station, external hard landscape and soft landscape activities have progressed along the west end and the north end of the site, including the surfacing asphalt works in the future ‘Pascal Square’.
External cladding activities have also resumed, with completion expected by the end of this year, and the ticket hall canopy is nearly complete. Inside the station, fit-out work continues.
They are also progressing towards ‘energisation’ of the traction substation room which will provide power for trains running through the station and tunnels in the future. Over the next three months, they will focus on completion of the electrical and mechanical systems inside the station, including escalators and lifts, ventilation.
(c) TfL
At Battersea Power Station station, inside the station, almost all the escalators have been fitted and are now ready for final testing, with the last escalator due to be installed shortly. The eastern ventilation shaft roof opening will be closed within the next month, signalling a milestone for the project, as all the tunnel ventilation equipment has now been delivered.
Fit-out of the station finishes continues with wall cladding and tiling in the ticket hall area and at the platform level, along with finishes to the back of house accommodation and plant areas.
Above ground, most of the steel elements for the roof have now been installed and the structure will soon be ready for glazing and its feature gold-coloured roof will be positioned during the next few months.
(c) TfL
Works are also continuing at the two ventilation shafts in Kennington.
At the Kennington Green site, progress has been made at the surface with the installation of the brickwork façade around the headhouse, while they’ve started preparing for the installation of new granite paving to go around it. In the basement, works continue below ground with the installation of electrical and mechanical equipment.
At Kennington Park, the brickwork façade is being installed, while works continue below ground with the installation of mechanical and electrical (M&E) equipment.
(c) TfL
In related news, Kennington tube station is going to be closed every weekend for four weeks from 14th Nov to 6th Dec, and the Northern line between Charing Cross and Kennington will be suspended.
“…so long as there’s not a second lockdown…”
Isn’t there a month-long one starting Thursday?
Construction workers are exempt from this forthcoming lockdown.
Great progress. Hopefully it should be completed mid or late next year. Unlike Elizabeth Line that is still being delayed and is likely to be completed before 2022.
I’ve never been quite sure of the utility of this costly little extension and I’m even less certain now. Of course, a vast number of tower blocks have been built in the area in the past few years, but many are empty, as they were purchased by overseas buyers as investments, not as places to live.
Covid will change everything. With home-working likely to overtake office working in future, which will cut the need for daily commuting, and with people requiring much larger and better arranged living spaces as a result, I fear the Nine Elms type of development may already have had its day.
That doesn’t detract from the engineering achievement, of course!
I will never understand why people can claim that improving public transport in an area that was poorly served would be a bad idea, especially when 80% of the cost is being picked up by the developer.
The ignorance in your throw away comment “being purchased by overseas buyers” such a generalisation because you read it somewhere rather actually knowing this.
It only takes a look around the completed blocks to see occupancy is quite high; even if overseas buyers have purchased them there are still plenty of renters benefiting.
And not to mention within a stones throw of both Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station there are many estates and residential streets that will significantly benefit as well as local commerce in the area.
Not everyone can work from home and so much of rail and tube system is heavily congested that any addition is valuable in my opinion.