16.03.12
Final Crossrail tunnel portal contract awarded
Crossrail has awarded the tunnel portal contract for Victoria Dock to VINCI Construction UK Ltd. The final contract is subject to a 10-day standstill period under EU procurement rules. Construction will begin in autumn 2012.
Five new tunnel portals will be constructed as part of Crossrail at Royal Oak, Pudding Mill Lane, Victoria Dock, North Woolwich and Plumstead.
The western and eastern running tunnels will have tunnel portals atRoyal Oak,Pudding Mill Laneand Victoria Dock. The Thames Tunnel between North Woolwich and Plumstead will have tunnel portals constructed at either end.
Royal Oakwas the first tunnel portal to begin construction, which was completed in September 2011. The first Crossrail tunnel boring machine will set out on its journey from Royal Oak towards Farringdon next week.
TheNorth Woolwichand Plumstead portals are included as part of main works for the C310 Thames Tunnel contract. Construction of the portal at Plumstead is underway and mobilisation for the North Woolwich portal will begin in May following completion of utility diversion works.
Enabling works for Pudding Mill Lane Portal were completed at the end of 2011. Construction for Pudding Mill Lane Portal, the new Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and Crossrail bridges and the viaduct for the new DLR station are now underway.
Andy Mitchell, Crossrail programme director, said: “Crossrail has now awarded the last remaining tunnel portal contract. Construction of Royal Oak Portal was completed ahead of schedule last year. Main construction of the portals atPudding Mill Laneand Plumstead are now underway. Construction of the North Woolwich portal will begin in May 2012 with Victoria Dock portal commencing in autumn 2012.”
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Image c. Crossrail