Crossrail C510 & C512

London’s spread and density make managing its railway network a constant challenge. The Crossrail network crosses London from east to west. This was one of the largest railway-infrastructure projects in all of Europe. VINCI Construction Grands Projets involved in it as part of a consortium in charge of 2 contracts. The first contract (lot C510) included the construction of tunnels at Liverpool Street and Whitechapel Stations along with related structures. The second contract (lot C512) called for the partial demolition of Whitechapel Station and construction of a new station and ticket-sale space. It also included construction of 3 shafts, internal structures, a footbridge and tunnel platforms, along with related electrical, mechanical, and architectural infrastructure.

BACKGROUND

The project consisted in implementing a regional express railway network serving London from east to west. The line starts at Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, crosses the centre of London, and reaches Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, stopping at 37 stations along the way. Named the Elizabeth Line in honour of the Queen, this railway link connects The City, Canary Wharf, the West End and Heathrow Airport with suburban areas east and west of the capital. This project of pharaonic scope aims to cut travel times by half. Crossrail includes 21 kilometres of twin-tube tunnels below central London, linking existing rail lines at Paddington to the west and at Stratford and Woolwich to the east. In 2016, it was the largest ongoing public transport project in Europe at more than 100 kilometres in length.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

On both project contracts (lots C510 and C512), one of the main challenges involved geographical issues. The project, which crosses central London, affects multiple stakeholders and must deal with extremely dense traffic conditions (including residents going to and fro), buildings of historic value, and, of course, the need to minimise noise pollution.
Strong emphasis was placed on health and safety on this project, both for personnel and public-road users. The objective is zero accidents both during the construction phase and, later, when the infrastructure is open for service. As a result, the Cambridge Heath Road shaft (lot C512) was designed to provide ventilation as well as an entry and exit point for emergency evacuation procedures. In addition, optimal ventilation conditions were provided to workers to prevent their exposure to dust and gases.
A 24/7 operational rescue plan was also implemented to guarantee optimal safety.
Special attention was paid to sustainable development and environmental protection. Accordingly, the project aims to reduce waste and energy consumption on site and in its offices. The project has already earned many awards.

« Approximately 200 million passagers will use this new partly underground and partly overhead rail line every year, thereby linking an additional 1.5 million people to the City. When completed, Crossrail will help create tens of thousands of new retail spaces (3 million m2 of property for development above and below ground), housing space (57,000 buildings along the rail line), and direct and indirect employment (55,000 full-time equivalent positions) ».
Andrew Wolstenholme, Chief Executive, Crossrail. 

IMPACT

The Crossrail project provides London with numerous benefits. First, this new infrastructure helps to develop the financial centre (The City), improves rail access, and relieves the London Underground system. The project drives economic growth in London.
The number of passengers who use Crossrail every year is estimated at 200 million, which increased the capital’s rail capacity by 10%. Crossrail connects London to outlying areas in a mere 45 minutes instead of the hour-and-a-half journey that required before.
This project alone has boosted the public transport industry in Britain and created multiple job opportunities. The Government has evaluated the benefits to the British economy provided by Crossrail at £42,000 million.

 

Project participants

Client
Strategic Rail Authority and Corporation of London

Project management
Crossrail Limited / Bechtel

 

Key figures

Implementation dates
February 2011 to December 2018

Excavation
207,500 m3

Concrete
65,300 m3

Testimonial

« This is indeed a pivotal project for Britain’s economy. It is not just a railway project. It sets a precedent and provides a model for future projects to streamline London infrastructure through the development of valuable expertise. »

Andrew Wolstenholme, Chief executive, Crossrail

Find out more

www.crossrail.co.uk

bbmv.co.uk

Awards

Green Apple Award:
Bronze – C510 (2016)

Crossrail Sustainability Awards:
Young Crossrail and Community Investment – C510 (2016)

Crossrail Sustainability Awards:
Innovation and Environmental Performance – Highly Commended – C510 (2016)

Ground Engineering Awards:
UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £1M – C512 (2016)

Awards

International Tunnelling Awards:
Product/Equipment Innovation of the year AND Technical Innovation of the year – C510 (2015)

British Construction Industry Awards:
Product Design Innovation Award (2015)

Gold National Site Award:
Considerate Constructor Scheme – C512 (2015 and 2014)
Most Considerate Site – Runner-up – Considerate Constructor Scheme – C512 Project Team (2014)