Crossrail awards communications and control systems contract

Crossrail today announced it has awarded the contract for the central section communications and control systems:

• C660 – Siemens PLC

Crossrail will operate a high-frequency metro service of up to 24 trains per hour during the peak between Whitechapel and Paddington through new tunnels under central London.

The scope of works includes the design, testing, installation and commissioning of key communications and control systems within Crossrail’s central section including CCTV and public address systems at stations, customer information displays, staff and emergency services radio systems and the data networks that will carry information to and from the route control centre.

Design and testing for the new communications and control systems will be undertaken by the contractor at Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire.

The contract also includes commitments to provide apprenticeships and job opportunities for Londoners. Siemens will be required to create seven new apprenticeships and five new job start roles for individuals who are long-term unemployed or out of education or training for six months or more during the life of the contract. It is a requirement that all of the new job starts be taken up by individuals living within Greater London or within one mile of the Crossrail route.

Installation of the new communications and control systems will get underway in spring 2015.