Crossrail: delivering London’s Elizabeth Line

When Crossrail, now known as the Elizabeth line, commenced operation in May 2022, it represented the culmination of more than three decades of endeavour, collaboration and tenacity. Millions of passengers annually benefit from the new system, which connects areas to the west and east of the capital, expanding capacity on London’s busy rail network by 10%, with a fast and regular service.

Arup played a key role from the very start, working in joint venture with our partners on infrastructure, tunnelling, geotechnics, station technical design, fire engineering, acoustics and many other elements.

Every multi-decade rail project requires a compelling vision and Arup has been championing public transport schemes, such as Crossrail, from the early days. In the late 1980s we were asked by the UK government to evaluate transport options for East London. Presented in 1989, our advice recommended more investment in rail infrastructure would ultimately be needed to address the city’s capacity and connectivity issues.

The Elizabeth line offers many valuable lessons for other major metro projects around the world, from design choices to tunnelling techniques and environmental, economic and social opportunities. The project also supports our belief that rail is transformative for communities, cities and nations, connecting populations to new opportunities for work, education and leisure.