The Chief Executive of Crossrail Limited says he’s proud of the Crossrail team for their commitment and energy to keep the programme moving forward.
Work is underway with contractors to enable physical works at stations to get back up and running, after being temporarily paused on March 24th because of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, despite the pause, essential and business critical work has been continuing – such as software development for the train and signalling systems – and several programme milestones have been achieved over the past month.
This includes the handover of the first central section station, Custom House, to Transport for London; and a number of central section stations have now been certified as ready for trial running.
In a letter to the London Assembly Transport Committee, Crossrail Limited Chief Executive Mark Wild said: “I am proud of the Crossrail team for their tireless commitment and energy to keep the programme moving forward.
“Essential and business critical work continues across the programme supported by those across Crossrail Ltd and our supply chain working virtually.
“Many of those who are working virtually are progressing the vital assurance and safety certification that must be completed before the Elizabeth line can open – a huge number of documents must be completed as part of the assurance process.
“Crossrail Ltd and its contractors are regularly looking at the way we work and are adapting for the benefit of the project, building our capabilities and taking opportunities as the constraints are eased.
“These ongoing assessments are informed by the latest guidance from the Government and Public Health England and will prioritise the safety of both our staff and the wider community.
“COVID-19 will have an impact on the programme but it is too early to tell exactly how the impact will be felt. Work is underway to understand the impacts. For now, we are focussing on getting as much done as we can, while ensuring that our people are safe.”
In regards to an update on the physical works restarting, a statement from Crossrail Ltd said: “The timing for the recommencement of physical works on Crossrail project sites continues to be informed by the latest guidance from the Government and Public Health England which we have been closely tracking.
“Our priority throughout has been the safety of both our staff and the wider community. Crossrail is working with its contractors to enable physical works at stations to get back up and running.
“When physical works resume, all sites will continue to observe strict social distancing protocols with the numbers of people at each location strictly limited at all times and workers will be required to avoid the use of public transport.”
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