So, it’s finally happening tomorrow (May 24). The Elizabeth Line starts running and, to be honest, it does feel like a pretty monumental occasion given how long it’s been in the making; not to mention the way it will transform the London Underground.
To give it a suitable welcome, 30 London landmarks will light up in purple, which is the designated colour for the brand new Crossrail line. These include the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, the main skyscraper at Canary Wharf, the London Stadium and more.
The Elizabeth Line was given an unveiling by the Queen last week, and will take its first journey at 6:30am tomorrow morning (May 24) from Abbey Wood. These lights will shine purple tonight and tomorrow night (May 25) to commemorate the beginning of the line.
Artwork from New York-based Leo Villereal will also stretch across nine London bridges – between Lambeth Bridge and London Bridge – to make it the longest public art commission in the world.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “The opening of the Elizabeth line tomorrow is a once in a generation moment for the capital and it is fantastic to see so many famous landmarks across our city lit up in purple in celebration of this historic day.
“The new line will revolutionise travel in our city and across the south east and bring significant economic benefits to the whole country.”
Initially, the line will run six-days-a-week to reserve time for the outstanding engineering work on the line.