Last major Crossrail contract awarded

The last major construction contract to be awarded by Crossrail, it will see the commissioning of track and rail systems and turn 21km of twin-bore tunnel currently being constructed under the streets of London into an operational railway.

Mott MacDonaldhas been appointed engineering consultant by the Alstom, TSO and Costain (ATC) joint venture for the fit-out of the new Crossrail tunnels.

This phase of construction includes installation of 42km of track and rigid overhead electric conductors which will power the trains. 48 ventilation fans, 40km of walkways, 66 drainage pumps, 40km of fire mains and lighting along the entire length will also be included.

Mott MacDonaldwill support the ATC JV by providing detailed design of all the systems – tunnel ventilation, mechanical and electrical systems – and the tunnel walkway. The consultancy will also provide environmental services and systems assurance as part of an integrated team.

Neil Henderson, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the ATC team and continue our long involvement with Europe’s largest infrastructure project and one of the biggest and most complex rail projects in the world. The project will benefit both London and the UK’s economy as a whole.”

Crossrail started tunnelling works in May 2012. There are five giant tunnelling machines in the ground constructing the rail tunnels and over 3.5km of tunnel has now been constructed.

A total of 42km of tunnel will be built for Crossrail, with tunnelling due to complete in 2014.