London Underground station changes made while TfL prepares to test new Piccadilly line trains

Works at a London Underground station are well underway as Transport for London (TfL) prepares for the testing of its new Piccadilly line trains. Officials say they expect this to begin later this summer.

The first new train is due to enter passenger service in 2025. As the new trains are rolled out, TfL plans to increase the frequency of Piccadilly line services in 2027.

To make sure the new stock can run properly, changes to some platforms will also have to be made. Engineers believe that, in many cases, the length of platforms at Tube stations is already sufficient to accommodate the new trains.

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Although there are a few that will require some 'minor changes'. These include alterations to platform end barriers, existing station equipment and signage to 'facilitate' the new carriages.

In addition, work will take place to 'provide accessibility' for the new stock. Now, TfL has confirmed where the first of these changes are progressing.

A report from the authority's commissioner, Andy Lord, published ahead of this month's meeting of TfL's board stated: "Infrastructure works are progressing across the Piccadilly line in readiness for the new trains. The construction of three new stabling and reversing sidings at Northfields is substantially complete with final commissioning planned for the autumn."

Parts of line to be closed

The Mayor of London and Chair of TfL, Sadiq Khan, said in March that officials are deciding when parts of the Tube line will be shut so that the new stock can be tried out in situ. He added that a plan to inform customers of these is being developed.

Mr Khan told the London Assembly: "In preparing for the new Piccadilly line trains there will be closures on the line for both infrastructure enhancements and testing the new trains. The dates of these closures are being agreed at the moment.

"An integrated customer communications plan is also being developed. Customers can sign up for email updates related to closures on the TfL website"

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