29th May 2009 16:59
Crossrail appoints Arup/Atkins team to design Central London twin bore tunnels
Crossrail Ltd (CRL) has confirmed the appointment of an Arup/Atkins team to undertake one of the largest and most important elements of the Crossrail project - the detailed design of the major twin tunnels to be bored beneath Central London.
In all there will be 42km of 6m diameter tunnel in two parallel bores along a 21km route running from Paddington through to the East of London. This will include a crossing beneath the Thames at Woolwich and interfaces with six major new underground stations. The tunnels will be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machines; one of the largest tunnelling projects in Europe at present.
David Tonkin, Managing Director of Atkins' rail business, said: "Crossrail is set to become one of the world's most prestigious new rail links and that demands engineers of the highest calibre and experience. Atkins brings a wealth of expertise from other successful international metro-style projects such as the Dubai Metro, South Africa's Gautrain, Copenhagen metro, and numerous projects for Hong Kong's MTRC and KCRC."
Above ground, the team will also undertake assessment and the design of protection measures for almost 4,500 buildings that might be affected by settlement from the tunnelling work, of which over 250 are listed.
Peak resourcing during the 18 month design period will reach over 150 staff working in a collaborative design environment within CRL's Canary Wharf offices.
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For more information: |
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Sara Lipscombe Group Communication Director |
Tel: +44 (0)1372 753014 |
Notes to editors:
Atkins (www.atkinsglobal.com) is a multinational engineering and design consultancy, providing expertise to help resolve complex challenges presented by the built and natural environment. Atkins is the largest multidisciplinary consultancy in Europe, the largest engineering consultancy in both the UK and the Middle East, and the UK's second largest architecture firm.
Atkins is the official engineering design services provider for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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