Crossrail 2 has taken a step closer to construction with the appointment of four major consultancy groups, which will now develop detailed plans for the project.
The news came as businesses named the landmark development top of London’s list for upcoming major infrastructure. An awards ceremony this week saw the scheme leading the ‘Investing in London’s future’ category, winning recognition for its potential to help the capital grow and remain globally competitive.
Designed to ease congestion and raise capacity across the capital, Crossrail 2 will also connect areas in Surrey and Hertfordshire using the existing National Rail network. The Department for Transport is currently consulting on safeguarding along the route, with the expectation that the development could unlock large sections of land for housing development.
Chosen consultants will form part of Transport for London’s (TfL) Engineering and Project Management Framework (EPMF) and will deliver specialist advice.
Arcadis Hyder will work on engineering and technical aspects in partnership with Weston Williamson, VINCI Construction, Interfleet and First Class Partnerships and Dr Sauer & Partners.
CH2M Hill and Atkins will work on strategic modelling, route development, planning, appraisal and evaluation.
Working on environment and sustainability on Crossrail 2 will be Mott MacDonald Ltd, Temple Group Ltd, ERM, and WSP Ltd (MTEW).
AECOM, Weston Williamson and Turkington Martin were named as winning bidders for town planning, economic development, socio-economic and urban design.
London mayor, Boris Johnson, said: ‘There is now real momentum behind Crossrail 2 and a growing sense that we can get it off the drawing board. We’re seeing strong recognition from the business community that this project could have major benefits for London, helping to boost rail capacity and the creation of new jobs and homes in the capital and beyond.’
Michèle Dix, TfL’s managing director for planning and imminent managing director of Crossrail 2, added: ‘The appointment of these four major consultancies is another important step in taking Crossrail 2 forward. They will work with us to help make the case for Crossrail 2 and prepare more detailed proposals for public consultation later in the summer.’
