Abbey Wood: Crossrail

The weekend of 9th/10th August saw another complete closure of the line between Dartford and Plumstead, for the continuation of engineering works at Abbey Wood. This period witnessed the very first part of the new Crossrail station to take shape, namely the skeleton of the footbridge. The final configuration of the bridge will include a single span between the island platforms, to which will be joined two staircases, a pair of escalators, and two lift shafts. However, today’s structure has been built with a second span extending into the former car park area. This will serve the temporary station which will occupy this site until 2017, when the works are scheduled to be complete.

14th August 2014

The ex-19:39 Charing Cross to Gillingham service is seen approaching platform 2, lead by Class 465 No. 465036. Note that the two spans of the new footbridge framework are of alternate designs. The span over the tracks will be incorporated into the new station, whilst the span on the left is for use as part of the temporary station until 2017, when it will be removed. Notice that the left span is to the same standard design as those footbridges which have recently been appearing at North Kent route stations such as New Eltham. Perhaps it will be dismantled and reused elsewhere after the works at Abbey Wood are complete? © David Glasspool

14th August 2014

The footbridge is up, but still much work to do. An additional track is due to be laid on the right-hand side, behind the present platform 1. Original diagrams show the booking office of the temporary station to be elevated on stilts around the staircase seen in the above view. © David Glasspool

14th August 2014

A London-bound view shows the track bed widening works on the ''up'' side of the line, between Abbey Wood and Plumstead. © David Glasspool