It replaces Thornton’s Field sidings in the heart of the Olympic Park, which is now being dismantled and will allow access for logistical vehicles for the construction of the Olympic Stadium.

During the Games, the path will then be used as one of the main pedestrian access points leading up to the Olympic Stadium.

Trains have been using Orient Way, project managed by the ODA and constructed by Balfour Beatty, since last month and progress is already being made on the dismantling of Thornton’s Field depot.

Balfour Beatty Rail Projects were responsible for the design and construction of the 12-road railway sidings at Orient Way.

They installed over 5km of track to form the new sidings, covering the equivalent area to three full-size football pitches. The scope of works also included overhead line equipment, signalling, telecommunications, civils and associated works and the construction of a new welfare building adjacent to the sidings.