01.08.14
Contractors strengthening Edinburgh rail tunnel ahead of £200m development
Contractor BAM Ritchies is carrying out essential strengthening works on Edinburgh’s railway tunnels, ahead of the development of the £200m Haymarket scheme.
A team of up to 40 specialists is working through the night on the 14-month project, with the strengthening works allowing contractors to begin building the foundations for the development. This includes grouting between the tunnel lining and the surrounding ground, and drilling and inserting metal bars within the brick lining.
The site above the tunnels will be home to The Haymarket, a £200m development of retail, offices and hotels, with an underground car park. It is being developed by Edinburgh Haymarket Developments Ltd, a joint venture between Interserve, the international support services and construction group, and Tiger Developments.
David Westwater, Interserve development director, said: “This work is the main challenge before we can begin construction above ground. It will be early next year before we can do that, but then people will soon start to see the development taking shape.”
Gary Walker, from Network Rail Asset Protection, said: “Clearly our priority is to ensure that the works are carried out safely and with no disruption to rail passengers on this extremely busy section of the network.
“We have worked closely with Edinburgh Haymarket Developments and BAM throughout the design process over the last 12 months and it is pleasing to see work being carried out as planned.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]