Network Rail awards crossrail signalling contract for great western mainline

Network Rail has appointed Osborne to deliver over £7m of signalling enabling works for Crossrail’s western section. Osborne will be responsible for delivering the Crossrail west outer signalling renewal civils works, covering a 17-mile section 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.

This section of the western main line provides an essential link for passengers travelling to central London and accessing Heathrow Airport. When it opens in 2018, Crossrail will offer faster, quieter, greener and more reliable services to passengers on these routes.

Jorge Mendonca, Crossrail Programme Director, Network Rail, said: “My team’s role is to transform the surface railway to make Crossrail a success. The work Osborne is doing is an important piece of this complex jigsaw. We’ll be working hand-in-hand with them to complete this section of work on time and budget to provide a more reliable service for passengers travelling from Maidenhead to London.”

Dave Hooper, Executive Director of Osborne, said: “These works will play an important role in improving the rail experience for the millions of passengers who travel on this stretch of track each year. We have a 25 year track record of delivering high profile rail projects whilst maintaining the operational railway, and will be using high street environment working best practice and innovative construction techniques to deliver these works as efficiently as possible while remaining focused on the safety and operation of the railway.”

The work is set to be completed in phases with the final phase finishing in spring 2013.