More than 100 new escalators 'may be required for Tube and Crossrail'

Date: 23/6/2011

Transport for London (TfL) and Crossrail have this week (June 20th 2011) launched their first joint procurement process, in an attempt to find a contractor to provide escalators across the new train and existing Underground network.

It is believed that in the years to come more than 100 moving stairways will be required at stations, while its value of up to £190 million makes the contract one of the biggest of its kind ever to be placed.

The notice in the Official Journal of the European Union highlights that the project will involve the design, manufacture, fitting and maintenance of the escalators, with the cost of creating just one valued at £1 million.

By initiating a joint procurement, TfL and Crossrail are hopeful that they will be able to achieve a cost saving.

Once Crossrail is complete, it is estimated that 60 escalators will be required.

Andy Mitchell, Programme Director at the project, says: "Crossrail will carry over 200 million passengers each year when it opens and escalators will play a crucial role in getting passengers into the massive new stations and on to trains that will whisk them across London."

Travellers currently passing through the Liverpool Street and Moorgate areas of the capital should expect to see a few changes, as continuing work on Crossrail has meant some walking and bus routes, along with taxi drop-off points, have been altered.

Posted by Mary Treen