The Northern Line Extension has reached a “major milestone” as test passenger trains completed the first journeys along brand new tunnels over Christmas.

The tests saw trains travel the new 3.2km tunnels from Kennington through to brand new stations at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Test trains passed through the new stations at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station. Credit: TfL

Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “I’m delighted that the Northern Line Extension has reached this major milestone, with the project on track to welcome its first passengers in the autumn. Last year was one of the hardest in TfL’s history so it’s great to start 2021 on a positive footing, not least because the extension will support thousands of new jobs and homes for our city.”

The Northern Line Extension is the first major extension to the Tube since the Jubilee Line was extended in the 1990s, and the new stations at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station will be the first additions to the Northern Line since 1926.

Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Director of Major Projects, said: “Seeing a Northern line train travelling through the extension for the first time is a really significant milestone and demonstrates the commitment of our brilliant team, who have been working so hard during such a challenging year.

The Northern Line Extension continues to support jobs, homes and growth in this exciting riverside destination and has created employment through the supply chain across the UK. We are now focused on making sure the signalling software and systems are ready along with completing the final stages of fit-out of the two new stations before the planned opening of the extension in the autumn.”

The extension will cut journey times from Battersea and surrounding areas into the City by half to around 15 minutes, removing the need to take a bus for part of the journey.

Work on the Northern Line Extension is expected to be finished by September.