08 Apr 2011
Crossrail has announced its intention to award the remaining tunnel contracts for Europe’s largest construction project.
The winning joint ventures will deliver the Arup/Atkins-designed twin bore Thames Tunnel construction and the Connaught Tunnel refurbishment C.
Around 21km of twin-bore tunnel will be constructed for Crossrail in total, all of which has been designed by the Arup/Atkins partnership.
This tunnel network runs from Paddington through to the East and South-East of London. This will include a crossing beneath the Thames at Woolwich and interfaces with eight major new underground stations.
The tunnels will be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) – one of the largest tunnelling projects in Europe at present. Tunnelling activity will commence in late 2011 with the first TBM starting work in spring 2012.
Arup Project Director Peter Chamley said: "The announcement of these contracts marks an exciting step forward in the delivery of one of the largest and most significant infrastructure projects of our time. Over the last 22 months, the Arup Atkins team has been working to develop a tunnel design that is safe, buildable and cost effective."
Atkins’ Project Director Rob McCrae said: "The award of these contracts is the culmination of almost two years design work by the Arup Atkins bored tunnel team. We look forward to working with the contractors to further develop the designs for construction."
The two Crossrail tunnelling contract awards are:
- C310 – Thames Tunnel construction (Plumstead to North Woolwich) – Joint Venture comprising Hochtief Construction AG, J Murphy & Sons Ltd.
- C315 – Connaught Tunnel refurbishment – Vinci Construction UK Ltd.
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