By rosebell
In order to advancing the Elephant & Castle Tube station project in London, Dragados UK selected AECOM, a US-based infrastructure consulting company as the lead designer.
While leading the first stage of the design and construction of new passenger tunnels at the Elephant & Castle station will be up to AECOM, the infrastructure consulting firm is going to oversee engineering, tunneling works related to the new station box, and environmental and stakeholder engagement services.
As WW+P is due to handle architectural services, provide tunneling expertise will be the responsibility of Dr Sauer and both companies have been appointed to the project under AECOM.
AECOM’s appointment follows Transport for London’s (TfL) announcement in September last year that Dragados UK has secured the design and build contract for Elephant & Castle Tube station.
The Greater London Authority (GLA), London Borough of Southwark (LBS) and contributions from local developers, are the funder of this project.
Also a new station box and passenger tunnels linking to existing platforms and the overbridge, are the contents of this project.
Considering that the footfall is estimated to rise by 25–40% by 2041, this upgrade aims to increase station capacity and the new passenger tunnels is slated to provide step-free access to the Northern line for the first time.
Additionally, the upgraded station will aid in the delivery of over 10,000 new jobs.
According to AECOM global practice tunneling lead director Steve Woodrow: “AECOM’s appointment as lead designer on this project serves as a testament to both the breadth of our tunnelling expertise and the strength of our ongoing relationship with Dragados UK, having worked together on the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade project. The upgrade to Elephant & Castle station will provide necessary futureproofing for the years ahead, helping it to meet growing passenger demand, improve services and provide greater connectivity for the local area.”
He also added: “Similarly, providing step-free access to the Northern line will greatly boost accessibility and safety at the station, which was an important goal during the bidding process.”
Collaborating with several major tunneling projects in London, this infrastructure consulting company has contributed in the Thames Tideway Tunnel, for Phase 2 of the UK National Grid’s London Power Tunnels scheme and TfL’s Elizabeth line.
The scheduled date for commencing excavation process of the135m of new passenger tunnels at Elephant & Castle station is the current year and is set for completion in 2027.
