GRAHAM’s rail director says the awarding of a major multi-million-pound Crossrail contract from Network Rail will take the company to the next level in the rail sector.
The construction company will be behind the upgrades to three railway stations as part of Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
Network Rail confirmed the contract last week, which will see GRAHAM construct two completely new stations in West Ealing and Acton Mainline. The national contractor will also significantly remodel Ealing Broadway in projects valued at £46 million.
The company is currently undertaking pre-construction activities in collaboration with Network Rail, MTR and other stakeholders, with work on-site expected to begin during July.
Jonny Kerr, GRAHAM’s Rail Director, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to this nationally important infrastructure project that will help transform rail transport in London and the south east.
“Our selection is recognition of the collaborative relationship which we have developed with Network Rail and our innovative approach and comes after months of hard work during the tender process.
“Being involved in a project such as this is another step forward within the rail sector and allows us to further demonstrate our rail engineering capabilities.”
It’s part of a major rail project to be known as the Elizabeth Line when services begin through central London in 2020, fully integrated with the existing transport network.
It will stretch more than 60 miles from Reading and Heathrow in the west with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, via new 21km tunnels under central London.
GRAHAM’s three schemes are located on the Great Western Main line and fall under the Crossrail West Enhanced Stations Phase 2 programme.
The company has been tasked with maintaining full service during the programme.
- The West Ealing Station works involve the construction of a new station, interior fit-out and associated mechanical and electrical works, step-free access between platforms and street level, and the provision of public realm works.
- The Acton Mainline Station is a reciprocal new build station project, which will include a new ticket hall, new lifts to provide step-free access to platforms, new platform canopies, lighting and information screens.
- The Ealing Broadway Station scheme involves the construction of a new canopy, new glass structures, a new entrance and a ticket hall with the capacity for 17-standard ticket gates and one wide gate. It will also feature platform extensions to accommodate the new Elizabeth Line trains, three new lifts, improved staircases and new toilet facilities.
Jonny added: “The West Ealing and Acton Mainline Station are very similar projects, but don’t come without their challenges. Both are on confined sites, in London.
“The work on Ealing Broadway Station will be completed in two main phases – the platform and the station – to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum and the station and Underground services remain operational. Keeping the line live at all times will involve meticulous planning and technical expertise.
“We are proud that our work on the Great Western Main Line will help to provide a step change in public transport for the people of Ealing.”
It’s the latest in a long list of major rail projects in the UK for GRAHAM whose reputation continues to grow in the rail sector.
Recently the company completed upgrades to South East London’s rail network replacing and reinstating two underbridges at the Bellenden Road (Southwark) and Westdown Road (Lewisham).
This was done with just 72-hours possession and completed safely and efficiently despite severe weather in the form of thunder and lightning.
Jonny said: “It demonstrates our reputation for delivering excellence in the rail sector having recently completed a number of schemes including Bellenden and Westdown Bridges.
Currently, we are completing transformative projects such as the Scarborough Train Care Facility and Portrush Train Station.
“We continue to grow in the rail sector and this latest contract will be a great opportunity to develop our younger staff and new staff.
“We are looking at taking on a number of apprentices and this contract will give them a full insight into both civil engineering and specifically works in the operational rail environment.
“We are looking forward to working with all our stakeholders and the local supply chain.”
Crossrail will increase central London’s rail capacity by 10 per cent, cut passenger journey times across the city, encourage regeneration and generate significant employment opportunities.
The upgraded stations will all benefit from improved passenger flow and enhanced accessibility with lifts and footbridges that will bring step-free access to all platforms serving the Elizabeth Line.
Mark Wild is the Chief Executive at Crossrail Ltd, said: “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.”
