Crossrail

Network Rail is playing a key part in delivering Crossrail, the pioneering project set to revolutionise transport in the capital. Linking Maidenhead to the west of London and Shenfield in Essex, it will connect commuters to the City, Canary Wharf, the West End and Heathrow Airport, using mainline trains and a 21km tunnel under the centre of the City. Main construction will begin in 2010, and when it does, it will be the largest civil engineering project in Europe, designed specifically to cope with the growing population of the region.

Crossrail will make traveling in the area easier and quicker, reducing crowding on London’s transport network. With 24 trains an hour during peak times throughout the central section, and 12 an hour off-peak, an estimated 160,000 passengers will be carried in the morning rush hour.

Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the works outside the tunnel area. Much of the work will take place on active lines and stations, so it’s essential that the project is completed with minimal disruption to passengers and freight companies.

Network Rail’s role in construction will include;

• Platform extensions at over 20 stations along the route
• Station rebuilds including Abbey Wood, Ilford, Romford and Ealing Broadway
• The western part of the route will be electrified including substantial re-signalling along the whole of the route
• Managing the tunnel spoilage – circa 2 million m³
• Timetable remodelling
• Paddington – major reworking of platform and interchange between new Paddington Crossrail station and mainline platforms.

Click here for information on careers in Crossrail