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Concreting train arrives ready for Crossrail track work

The ‘concreting train’ that will enable the fit-out of Crossrail’s standard track slab has arrived at the Plumstead railhead in south-east London.

The 465-metre long train, refurbished and brought to the UK from France via the Channel Tunnel, enters service next month. Crossrail calls it a “self-contained concrete batching factory on wheels”.

It will supply over 50,000 cubic metres of concrete for the fit-out. 

It will be operated by the ATC joint venture of Alstom, TSO and Costain, which is delivering the £250m contract to fit-out and commission the Crossrail tunnels.

ATC will be installing over 40km of track and rigid overhead conductors, 48 ventilation fans, 40km of walkways, 66 drainage pumps, 40km of fire mains, and lighting throughout the entire length of the tunnels.

Simon Wright, Crossrail programme director, said: “Following the completion of Crossrail’s 26-mile tunnelling marathon, our focus has shifted to the fit-out of the tunnels and stations.  The arrival of the concreting train at Plumstead – the logistical nerve centre for this phase of Crossrail’s delivery – will bring us another step towards the completion of this major new railway for London and the South East.”

Wright confirmed that Crossrail remains on time and on budget.

^{Above: ATC workers at the Plumstead railhead in June 2015}