Network Rail, which is working on the overground sections of the Crossrail project that will deliver the new Elizabeth line in London, has confirmed the award of contracts for the construction of new or enhanced ticket halls at Southall, Hayes & Harlington, West Drayton, Ealing Broadway, West Ealing and Acton Main Line stations.
To cater for the increased number of passengers expected to use the stations once the Elizabeth line fully opens, measures will be taken to improve passenger flows and enhance accessibility with lifts and footbridges that will bring step-free access to all platforms. The station upgrades are an important element of Network Rail’s work on the Crossrail project.
Hochtief will undertake the work at West Drayton, Hayes & Harlington and Southall, whilst Graham Construction has been contracted for the work at Acton Main Line, West Ealing and Ealing Broadway.
In 2018/19, Network Rail delivered the enabling works for the new station buildings by installing the foundations and steel frames for new accessible footbridges and lift shafts. The new ticket halls and step-free access measures will be completed by December 2020.
Network Rail project director Dave Corkett said: “With the enabling works already complete, the award of contracts for Southall, Hayes & Harlington, West Drayton, Ealing Broadway, West Ealing and Acton Main Line stations will allow Network Rail and its new contractors to deliver these important station upgrades that are so eagerly awaited by local communities in west London.”
Mark Wild, Crossrail’s chief executive, added: “London needs the Elizabeth line completed as quickly as possible and brought into service for passengers.
“It is very encouraging that Network Rail are now able to award these remaining station contracts which form an important part of their remaining work on the Crossrail project. These station upgrades are vital to supporting the increased numbers of passengers who will use these stations once the Elizabeth line is fully open.”
The Crossrail route will pass through 38 stations and run more than 100 km from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through 21 km (13 miles) of new twin-bore tunnels below central London, to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.
When Crossrail opens it will increase London’s rail-based transport network capacity by 10 per cent, supporting regeneration and cutting journey times across the city.
Network Rail is a key partner in Crossrail. Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network. Its work will integrate Crossrail with the national rail network. The work includes upgrading 43 miles of track, improving 27 stations, and work on 20 bridges.
Elizabeth line services were due to commence through central London in 2018. However, this launch has now been delayed until 2020/2021.
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