Kingsway Tram Tunnel to be used as part of Crossrail

Date: 11/7/2012

Ministers have announced that the famous Kingsway Tram Tunnel in Holborn, which has long been a unique part of London’s transport history, is to be used temporarily for Crossrail.

The station has been closed since 1952 but the venture's tunnels contractor, BFK, is to make use of the historic station as part of preparation ahead of the project's completion.

Engineers will be able to pump grout deep into the ground in order to firm it up ahead of building which will protect nearby buildings from potential ground movement when building commences.

Crossrail's tunnel boring machines, named Phyllis and Ada, are currently scheduled reach the area in 2013 while the shaft at Holborn is set to be completed later this summer.

Keith Sibley, Crossrail's area director west, said that the tunnel would be able to play as important role in the future as it had done in its heyday.

He said: "The Kingsway Tram Tunnel has played a fascinating and unique role in London’s transport history.

"Now it will play a vital part in helping prepare the ground for the city’s most ambitious transport project to date.

"As the tunnel is a Grade II listed structure, Crossrail will return the Camden section of the tram tunnel to its prior condition when the works are completed."

According to Martin Harrison-Putnam, head of collections at the London Transport Museum the station was the only link between the north and south London tram networks during its stint of just less than 50 years.

"The pioneering decision by London County Council to construct the country’s first tram tunnel was both innovative for its time and now of enduring historical importance," he added.

Those behind Crossrail say that once it opens the venture will increase London's rail-based transport network capacity by ten per cent.

It is also being tipped to support regeneration while also cutting journey times across the city.

Crossrail services are due to begin in central London by 2018.

Posted by Nick Anderson