The Crossrail scheme in London has taken a major step forward towards completion.
First Capital Connect has been handed the lengthened platforms at Farringdon station, allowing it to run 12-carriage Thameslink trains through the £250 million redeveloped public transport hub within 48 hours.
Costain revealed this is significant for the expansion of the Thameslink route, which connects
London offices to those in Brighton in the south and Bedford in the north. Farringdon station acts as an interchange for Thameslink and the tube, and will also deliver Crossrail services when completed.
A new London Underground (LU) entrance, an integrated ticket hall (ITH), five new lifts to street level and new power supplies have also been delivered at the Farringdon Crossrail station.
Commenting on the latest announcement, construction director at Costain Daniel Powrie stated: "The Farringdon team has worked tirelessly for three years to deliver the 12-car platforms and the ITH and now we have to hand over the LU building and accommodation building in eight weeks - no simple task given the high specification and number of trades required to work in very confined conditions."
He added that every Crossrail milestone has been hit so far, so he is confident this one will also be completed in time.
Crossrail stations are also set to be built at Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Paddington, Canary Wharf, Whitechapel and Liverpool Street.
The service will run through 37 stations, linking the east's Abbey Wood and Shenfield to the west's Maidenhead and Heathrow.
Businesses with
London offices will be able to enjoy a wider talent pool and improved access to clients, as an extra 1.5 million people are expected to be brought within a 45-minute commute of the main business districts in the capital.
The Liverpool Street Crossrail station, for example, will provide a boost to organisations with
City offices, delivering connections to Stansted Airport, as well as acting as a LU interchange for a variety of lines.
Posted by John Evans
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