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The current junction at Stockley is used by Heathrow Connect in both directions and Heathrow Express in the London direction. The viaduct will start on the western side of the existing airport lines. It will then cross over all of the tracks in the railway corridor, turning eastwards and will continue on the northern side of the railway tracks.

The viaduct will then widen and a junction for Crossrail and Heathrow Express services will be installed on the track. This junction will allow Heathrow Express services to cross above the slow lines and descend to main line track as at present. Crossrail services will remain on the northern side, descend on a second ramp and run on a dedicated track, which will then connect with the existing up slow line via a new junction constructed at a point just before Hayes & Harlington station.

The timetable for the works is as follows:

- Late March 2012 – Installation of a retaining wall begins
- February 2014 – Western flyover completed
- December 2014 – Northern viaduct completed
- September 2017 – Project completion

As this work progresses it is likely to involve some night-time and weekend working, as some sections can only be built when train services are not running.

Network Rail delivering Crossrail

Network Rail is a key partner in Crossrail and is making significant investment in upgrading the network around the capital to deliver it. This complements Network Rail’s other work to increase capacity and improve performance across Britain.

Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network. Its work will integrate Crossrail with the national rail network, delivering faster, more frequent trains into central London from the east and west. The work includes upgrading 42 miles of track, redeveloping 28 stations, and renewing 15 bridges, as well as removing around 1m cubic metres of spoil from the tunnel excavation by rail, reducing the need for construction traffic on the roads.

About Crossrail

The total funding envelope available to deliver Crossrail is £14.8bn. The Crossrail route will pass through 37 stations and run 118 km (73 miles) from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 21 km (13 miles) tunnels below central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

When Crossrail opens it will increase London's rail-based transport network capacity by 10%, supporting regeneration and cutting journey times across the city. Crossrail services are due to commence through central London in 2018.

Crossrail is being delivered by Crossrail Limited (CRL). CRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Transport for London. Crossrail is jointly sponsored by the Department for Transport and Transport for London.