Network Rail issues tender for Crossrail works

Network Rail has issued an invitation to tender to progress the development of a major rail infrastructure project at Stockley Flyover in west London.

The flyover is located in the very busy Heathrow Airport Junction area, servicing trains to and from Heathrow as well as along the Great Western main line. When Crossrail services begin in 2017, even more trains will travel along the lines so work is needed to improve capacity in the area.

The work will consist of a new flyover constructed near the existing layout to provide a seperate route for trains crossing the main line. The tender covers the design development of this work.

Robbie Burns, programme director, Network Rail said: “The work at Stockley is an important step in improving reliability for all services using the rail network in the area. Network Rail is transforming the railway to make Crossrail a success and is working with many partners to deliver a railway that is safe, efficient and fit for the 21st century.”

Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network, covering 70km of track and 28 stations from Maidenhead in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.

Crossrail will run 118km from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 21km tunnels under central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. It will bring an additional 1.5 million people within 60 minutes commuting distance of London’s key business districts. When it opens in 2017, Crossrail will provide new transport links with the Tube, Thameslink, National Rail, DLR and London Overground.

Network Rail is a key partner in Crossrail and is making a multi-billion pound investment in upgrading our network around the Capital to deliver it. This complements Network Rail’s other work to increase capacity and improve performance across Britain.

Network Rail’s work will integrate Crossrail with the national rail network, delivering faster, more frequent trains into central London from the east and west. The work includes upgrading 70km of track, redeveloping 28 stations, and renewing 15 bridges, as well as removing around one million cubic metres of spoil from the tunnel excavation by rail, reducing the need for construction traffic on the roads.

Unlike the central tunnel, Network Rail will do all of this on an active operational railway, delivering vital upgrade works whilst minimising disruption to train services.

Network Rail has already made a start on Crossrail works at Paddington and Farringdon stations.