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Notes to editors

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Notes to editors:

A separate contract will be awarded covering the inner section of the Great Western main line (GWML) between West Drayton and Paddington. This is planned to be awarded later this year.

Network Rail has also awarded the following major Crossrail contracts for the GWML.

Carillion has been awarded the main civils contract to build a new, larger flyover at Stockley in Hillingdon, allowing Crossrail services to operate to and from Heathrow. The flyover will be built in the very busy Heathrow Airport Junction area, which services trains to and from Heathrow as well as along the GWML. A new single track viaduct for all trains from Heathrow towards London will be built, ensuring that trains will be able to join the branch to Heathrow without delaying - or being delayed by - fast trains to the west.

BAM has secured the civils contract to construct a new dive-under (a rail underpass) and associated track work at Acton Freight Yard in Ealing. Currently freight trains entering and leaving the yard need to cross mainline passenger tracks – the new dive-under will allow freight trains to access the yard without affecting passenger trains, improving reliability on passenger services and increasing capacity for freight traffic.

Network Rail has appointed Osborne to the signalling civils enabling works for Crossrail’s western section. Osborne will be responsible for delivering the Crossrail west outer signalling renewal from West Drayton to Maidenhead. The contract works involve the design and construction of infrastructure in support of the new signalling works, including concrete bases for signalling equipment and buildings, renewal of concrete cable troughs and works such as site clearance, fencing, steps, guardrails and safety barriers.

About Crossrail

The Crossrail route will pass through 37 stations and run 73 miles from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 13 miles tunnels below central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

When Crossrail opens it will increase London's rail-based transport network capacity by 10%, supporting regeneration and cutting journey times across the city. Crossrail services are due to start through central London in 2018.

Network Rail is a key partner in Crossrail. Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network. Its work will integrate Crossrail with the national rail network. The work includes upgrading 43 miles of track, improving 27 stations, and work on 20 bridges.