AP
Train services are dummy running along the new line to ensure safety of equipment and systems

Trial operations have begun on the new extension of the Northern Line that will connect Kennington to Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station.

This is the first major extension of The Tube this century, and is due to open this Autumn to passengers, with a peak service of 12 trains per hour by mid-2022.

“The beginning of trial operations on the Northern Line Extension marks a major milestone in the project and it’s really exciting to see final training and testing taking place,” says Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport.

“When the extension opens this autumn, it will make a real difference to transport links south of the river, supporting thousands of new jobs and homes and boosting London’s recovery.”

Construction on the line began in 2015, with plans to have the extension open by 2020. However, Transport for London postponed the opening date to autumn 2021.

Trials every weekend

TfL says trial operations are being carried out each weekend. Four test trains will run an hour on the three kilometre (1.9 mile) branch line from Kennington. Train services are dummy running along the new line to ensure safety of equipment and systems.

The trial operations include fire drills and practice emergency evacuations. Credit: AP

“We’re delighted that the countdown really has begun until new Northern line stations open at Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms this autumn,” says Councillor Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council and co-chair of the Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership.

“Delivering the first Tube connection here was a key part of our long-term vision that would unlock the potential of these long-neglected brownfield sites and plug the area into the rest of London. So we’re proud that just a decade later these plans are coming to fruition for our residents and will open the door to future investment in the area.”

Changes to other lines

The Elizabeth line is also at the trial stage currently, and is expected to open later this year.

However, TfL has introduced cuts to off-peak services at the northern end of the Jubilee line. From 3 October, there will be a reduction in off-peak services between West Hampstead and Stanmore on weekdays during the day and on weekend mornings.

The changes to the Jubilee line off-peak frequencies will be:

  • West Hampstead to Willesden Green – 24 trains per hour reduced to 20.
  • Willesden Green to Wembley Park – 20 trains per hour (24 on Saturday and Sunday mornings) reduced to 16.
  • Wembley Park to Stanmore – 16 trains per hour (18 Saturday and Sunday mornings) reduced to 12.

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