The dive-under is needed so that trains leaving the Acton freight yard do not delay passenger trains heading towards Acton Main Line and on to central London. The new dive-under will allow the trains to access the yard without affecting passenger services, increasing capacity and reliability.
The start of excavation follows nearly two years of work to re-configure the freight yard. The work on the dive-under is being managed by Network Rail and is expected to last until 2016.
Matthew White, Crossrail¹s surface director said: "The dive-under at Acton is a vital part of the Crossrail works in west London, helping to ensure a fast, frequent and reliable service for passengers when full services start in 2019."
