London 2012 blog

Today, the first test train arrived at the new Orient Way sidings facility - a huge milestone for the ODA Transport team.

After a weekend of intense activity and work by the Orient Way project team, we watched the12-carriage National Express East Anglia train pull into the new facility at 9.22am - and it all went without a hitch.

Railway sidings facilities, or depots, are used to 'park' the extra trains used during morning and afternoon peak hour that are not needed at other times of the day. We built the Orient Way depot to replace one that is currently located in the heart of the Olympic Park and needs to be moved to clear the area for construction.

The number of trains arriving at Orient Way will gradually increase this week, ensuring that it will be fully used following the Bank Holiday weekend.

This milestone of getting the first test train in could not have happened without the dedication of the whole team. I would like to thank the team and the principal contractor for working around the clock to get Orient Way ready some five weeks ahead of schedule - an excellent achievement.

An official opening event is being planned and our stakeholders and the media will be invited to take a look at our latest success story.