Initial plans for a Victoria line were made in 1937 but work on the first new underground line for 61 years began on 20 September 1968. It was built using new techniques including a drum digger (or rotary shield) and completed in record time. The first part (Walthamstow to Highbury and Islington) was opened in 1968. On 7 March 1969 the Queen opened the third stage (Warren Street to Victoria) and Princess Alexandra opened the final section (Victoria to Brixton) on 23 July 1971. In terms of passengers per mile, the Victoria Line is the busiest in London, carrying about 175 million over its 13.25 mile length each year.

Features

• The line is in tube throughout its 13.25 mile length except for the Northumberland Park Depot which is on the surface.
• The line is equipped for automatic operation
• The tubes were the first constructed with larger bores to reduce air resistance
• Trains are normally made up of two 4-car units of the 1967 Automatic Stock
• The minimum end-to-end running time is 33 minutes.

Useful links
Clive’s UndergrounD Line Guides
David Connor’s Tribute to the Victoria Line
The Northern Line
Kennington Station
Lambeth North Station
Nine Elms Station
Stockwell Station
Vauxhall Station