Following the successful delivery by Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall
Infrastructure and VINCI Construction (BBMV), Crossrail has handed over the
Whitechapel Elizabeth Line station to Transport for London.
The new Whitechapel Elizabeth line station will see thousands of commuters
pass through each day, providing quicker, easier and more convenient travel
across London.
In addition, the joint venture successfully delivered the tunnelling works
at both Whitechapel Elizabeth line and Liverpool Street stations; delving
beneath the ground to excavate 60,000m³ of material.
Whitechapel Elizabeth line station is acknowledged as one of the most
complex and challenging stations on the Crossrail project. The new station
concourse was constructed on a bridge consisting of 2,800 tonnes of structural
steelwork, above the existing station and two operational railway lines – the
London Overground and London Underground.
Steve O’Sullivan, BBMV Project Director, said: “As I reflect on this
incredible feat of engineering, I have never been more proud of what our
incredible team have delivered. It truly is testament to the collaborative
culture of our joint venture, who have persevered throughout the challenges
faced by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“We now look forward to watching as the station plays a role in transforming
travel across London, whilst also supporting wider regeneration in the local
area through job creation and opportunities for local businesses.”
Mark Wild, Crossrail Chief Executive, said: "The whole team at Whitechapel
have done a fantastic job weaving between the existing operational transport
services to create this incredible new Elizabeth line station which has been
one of the most challenging Elizabeth line stations to construct. I am
delighted this station has now been handed over to London Underground and I am
sure customers will be very impressed when they start using the new station
entrance."
Passengers will access the new station through the sensitively restored
original entrance on Whitechapel High Street, opened in 1876. The new station
has nine lifts and three escalators and will, for the first time, provide
step-free access to improve accessibility for those visiting the renowned Royal
London Hospital and the surrounding area.
