Crossrail and the Costain Skanska joint venture (CSJV) have parted ways at Bond Street station, with Crossrail to oversee completion of the remaining works in-house.
Work at Bond Street has been running late, and Crossrail originally envisaged opening the new line without Bond Street, which would be opened later. However, with the whole new Elizabeth line now delayed until probably next summer, Bond Street was once again back in the programme.
Much work remains to be done. As a contact at Crossrail said: “At Bond Street, we have some unique challenges to progress our remaining works due to the volume of work remaining and the number of people required on site to complete the station. We therefore need to replan and reschedule the work remaining for Trial Running, which this decision will now allow Crossrail to do.”
It would seem that the latest issue at Bond Street relates to COVID-19 – a particular problem due to the number of workers needed to complete the programme and the corresponding problems with distancing. So, a mutual agreement has been reached between Crossrail and CSJV to conclude the existing contract. Crossrail will oversee completion of the remaining works in-house.
Engie has been contracted by Crossrail to undertake care and custody and security arrangements at Bond Street.
Despite this move, Crossrail and CSJV remain partners on the project and will continue to work together, including at Paddington where CSJV is the main contractor – the arrangements at Paddington are unchanged
Much of the central section infrastructure is complete with many stations now in the final stages of fit-out. The focus is ensuring that all the stations are ready to support entry into intensive operational testing, known as Trial Running, which is likely to start in December 2020.
A Crossrail spokesperson said: “In the light of COVID-19, we have been reviewing and re-structuring any works that are essential to opening the railway and to ensure we complete the Elizabeth line in the most effective and efficient way. This includes at Bond Street which is uniquely affected by the post-Covid world due to the volume of work remaining and the number of people required on site to complete the station.
“Over the last few weeks, Crossrail Ltd has been in discussions with Costain Skanska joint venture to agree a way forward for Bond Street. As a result, Crossrail Ltd and CSJV have mutually agreed to conclude the existing contract as of midnight on 24 June and will work together to ensure a safe and effective transition. Crossrail Ltd will be putting in place new arrangements to complete the works which largely relate to fit-out and testing and commissioning activity.
“Despite the significant challenges COVID-19 brings, our focus remains on doing everything we can to open the central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood as soon as possible and the earliest possible opening for Bond Street.”
Be the first to comment