The contract includes the installation of two new dedicated Crossrail lines from Abbey Wood to the Plumstead portal, providing access to the new Crossrail tunnels. The Crossrail lines will run alongside the existing North Kent lines. Balfour Beatty will also carry out works to modify several bridges along the route to accommodate the overhead electric wires and two new lines that will be used by the new Crossrail trains.
In addition, the contract includes the construction of a new station building at Abbey Wood with a new Crossrail platform for interchange with North Kent services.
Designs for the new station are being finalised. The main construction works will start in 2014, with some preparatory work expected to start later this year.
Network Rail senior programme manager Peter Mason said: “Network Rail is undertaking a major upgrade of the existing rail network for Crossrail, including a significant programme of track renewals as well as station improvements. The transformed Abbey Wood station will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area and provide opportunities for local employment, meeting the development aspirations of the two London boroughs it serves, Greenwich and Bexley.
“We’re now looking forward to continuing our excellent partnership with Balfour Beatty Rail to deliver this exciting project.”
Under the Crossrail programme, Network Rail is responsible for the upgrade of 43 miles of track, as well as improving 27 stations from Maidenhead in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.
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