Crossrail, Europe’s largest infrastructure project, has welcomed a 465 metre long concreting train which will help fit-out the Crossrail tunnels with concrete to enable tracks to be laid.

The train’s arrival at the Plumstead railhead in southeast London heralds the next major stage for the project following the end of tunnelling.

The bright yellow train – which was refurbished and brought to the UK from France via the Channel Tunnel, is as long as four football pitches when fully assembled and is a self-contained concrete batching factory on wheels.

Simon Wright, Crossrail Programme Director said: “Crossrail is being delivered on time and within budget. Following the completion of Crossrail’s 26-mile tunnelling marathon, our focus has shifted to the fit-out of the tunnels and stations.  The arrival of the concreting train at Plumstead – the logistical nerve centre for this phase of Crossrail’s delivery – will bring us another step towards the completion of this major new railway for London and the South East.”