The three companies are:
• Atkins Ltd
• Tata Steel UK Rail Consultancy Ltd
• Amey OWR Ltd
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.
The invitation to tender includes the design of major station improvements at Romford and Ilford and general station improvements along the rest of the 25km route at Goodmayes, Forest Gate, Harold Wood, Gidea Park, Chadwell Heath and Brentwood.
Platform extensions will allow longer, higher capacity trains to run, and step-free access will be provided at the majority of the stations on the route. Other works will include various infrastructure improvements, such as extra train stabling capacity and turnback facilities that will improve the reliability of passenger services.
When fully open Crossrail will provide 12 trains per hour on the Great Eastern Main Line at peak times in each direction between central London and Shenfield.
Network Rail programme director Robbie Burns said: "Network Rail is making a multi-billion pound investment to transform the existing railway to make Crossrail a success and this design work on Crossrail's north-east section will prepare the way for new higher-frequency trains in future years. The result will give passengers more seats, better stations and a more frequent and reliable service."
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