Contract C610 systemwide main works incorporates C630 tunnel mechanical & electrical systems contract. Scheduled to be let in early 2013, it is one of the largest on the whole £14.8bn project.
The 21km of tunnels will be fitted out with 42km of track, overhead electric conductor rails to power the trains, and ventilation and drainage systems. The new Crossrail tunnels will also require more than 50 ventilation fans, 40km of walkways, 60 drainage pumps, 30km of fire mains as well as lighting throughout the entire length.
The shortlist for the contract is:
- Alstom Transport / TSO / Costain Ltd Joint Venture
- Balfour Beatty Rail Ltd
- BAM Nuttal Ltd / Ferrovial Agroman SA / Kier Construction Ltd Joint Venture
- Laing O’Rourke Construction Ltd / Volker Rail Joint Venture
- Rhomberg Bahntechnik GmbH / Alpine Bau GmbH / FCC Construccion SA Joint Venture
Crossrail programme director Andy Mitchell said: “Tunnel fit-out will be one of the largest contracts to be let by Crossrail and will create further employment opportunities as well as providing a welcome boost to regional suppliers. We received significant interest from the rail and construction industry with a large number of responses received. Contract will be awarded in early 2013, providing the chosen contractor with sufficient time to undertake detailed design and planning before fit-out work commences in 2014.”
Construction of Crossrail’s tunnels starts next month when the first tunnel boring machine is launched from Royal Oak. By late 2014, more than 21km of twin-bore tunnel, stretching across the capital via central London and Docklands, will have been constructed.
The fit-out works will start as construction concludes, beginning simultaneously from both Royal Oak and Plumstead portals. The tunnel fit-out works should be completed by 2017/18.
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