LONDON TRANSPORT OVERVIEW
Work speeds up on Crossrail
Crossrail’s tunnelling machines have now constructed over 8km of new rail tunnels under London, with the final major construction contracts awarded, bridges replaced and installed, and work progressing at Paddington station. Kate Ashley reports.
Network Rail has installed reinforced concrete piles at Stockley to form the foundations of the flyover, to allow Crossrail trains to get to and from Heathrow. A range of signalling work was carried out from West Drayton to Maidenhead, and a new crossover has been installed at Stockley.
onstruction of walls and columns at the new Crossrail station at Paddington is now complete, with the next phase to excavate the station box. Ben Hardy, Crossrail Paddington project manager, called it a “significant milestone”.
C
Network Rail has also awarded a £130m contract to Balfour Beatty Rail to construct a line from Abbey Wood to Plumstead portal, providing access to the new Crossrail tunnels. The contract covers running
new track
alongside existing lines, as well as works to modify bridges on the route and a new station building at Abbey Wood.
Bridges in place
New bridges were lifted into place over Easter by Network Rail west of London to prepare the railway for new Crossrail services.
Middlegreen Road Bridge was installed, and Trenches Bridge in Slough and Old Stockley Road Bridge in Hillingdon were lifted into place. The old bridges had been demolished at Christmas.
The old Horton Bridge in Slough was also demolished, and work will now take place to link the new bridges to existing highways. The four bridges are expected to re-open between April and June this year.
62 | rail technology magazine Apr/May 13
David Lawson, Network Rail senior programme manager for Crossrail, said: “The completion of these bridge reconstructions marks an important step forward for the Crossrail programme as we prepare the existing railway for the new electric Crossrail trains.
“Crossrail will transform public transport, making it quicker and easier for people to get to a range of destinations across London and the South East. Residents in west London and Berkshire will benefit from new trains and
frequent services that allow them to get right through the capital and beyond without having to change trains.”
Tunnel fit-out works contract awarded
Crossrail has awarded its final major construction contract to a joint venture comprising Costain Ltd, TSO and Alstom Transport.
The tunnel fit-out works cover the installation of track, overhead power equipment, ventilation fans and drainage systems, as well as fire mains and lighting throughout the entire tunnelled section.
The contract includes commitments to provide 50 new apprenticeships and new job start roles for long-term unemployed people, or those who have been out of education or training for six months.
The new starts will go exclusively to people living within the vicinity of London.
Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail chief executive said: “Construction of the new rail tunnels under London continues to advance.
“As tunnelling concludes work will get underway to turn the tunnels into an operational railway with new track installed as well as power, drainage and ventilation systems.
“Tunnel fit-out is one of the largest contracts to be let by Crossrail and will create hundreds of new job opportunities as well as providing a
welcome boost to regionally-based manufacturers and suppliers.”
Mike Casebourne, project director for the ATC JV, said: “This is fantastic news for us and for London’s commuters, who will be able to benefit from the new rail service for decades to come. Our teams now have the vital role of converting Crossrail’s tunnels into an operational railway.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.crossrail.co.uk
All images © Crossrail
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