10.02.12
Concrete segments produced for Crossrail
The tunnel segment plant has begun full operations, producing the first of 250,000 concrete segments to line the 42km Crossrail tunnels. To achieve this, the first 15 trainees and apprentices have started work at Old Oak Common. The facility will employ about 60 people at its peak.
They are among the first to receive training at TUCA, which will train up to 3,500 people to work on Crossrail. Tunnelling for Crossrail will start next month, with the first tunnel boring machine currently being assembled at Westbourne Park.
The factory also includes a laboratory to test the quality of the concrete produced, to ensure the segments have a 120 year life span.
Crossrail’s Western Tunnels project manager Andy Alder said: “Preparations are well underway for the start of Crossrail tunnelling next month. Ahead of that, we are stockpiling tunnel segments and have begun pouring the first batches of more than 250,000 concrete segments that will be made to line 42 kilometres of Crossrail tunnels.
“The new factory at Old Oak Common is a good example of Crossrail delivering new employment opportunities for unemployed people. These trainees and apprentices will gain new skills that provide the opportunity for a long-term career in the construction industry.”
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