Mar 25 2015
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. announced today that it was awarded a contract by Network Rail to support its proposed new rail link from the west of England to London Heathrow airport, United Kingdom.
The proposed Western Rail Access to Heathrow includes a new direct, double track link between the Great Western main line at Langley in Berkshire (16 miles west of Paddington Station in London) into Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport. The link is expected to provide greater connectivity from south Wales, the west of England and the Thames Valley; making journeys faster, reducing congestion on other routes, and providing significant economic benefits for businesses in the region. The project also aims to reduce CO2 emissions by the equivalent of a million road passenger trips to and from Heathrow.
Company officials did not disclose the contract value, but noted that the work is being executed over the next 12 months from Jacobs’ offices in the UK.
Under the terms of the contract, Jacobs is producing a design for Network Rail’s Development Consent Order, which is expected to be submitted in early 2016. Jacobs’ scope of work includes topographical surveys and geotechnical investigations, tunneling design for the new 3.1 mile (5 km) route, and railway systems designs for track and overhead line equipment.
Network Rail’s Signaling Design Group is producing the signaling design for system integration by Jacobs as lead designer. Jacobs is also providing environmental surveys and impact assessment (EIA) to inform optimization of the tunnel route and location and design of surface structures. An environmental mitigation program is being developed as part of the EIA to minimize impact on local residents and the environment during both construction and operation phases.
Jacobs Group Vice President Bob Duff stated, “Jacobs is delighted to continue to leverage our global rail experience on this planned project. We look forward to contributing tangible solutions to support Network Rail’s emphasis on sustainable design at the heart of the new rail link.”
Jacobs delivered pre-feasibility and feasibility studies in the early planning stage of the project which identified significant potential cost savings. Currently in public consultation, if the Western Rail Access plans are approved, it is expected that the new service would be in operation by 2021.
One of the world’s largest and most diverse providers of technical professional and construction services, Jacobs has worked with Network Rail and its predecessors for over four decades, supporting projects across infrastructure, operations, and asset management. Jacobs delivers advice and support throughout the guide to rail investment process (GRIP), from early feasibility to construction management to operations. Jacobs has worked on Blackfriars Station, the Thameslink program (including KO2 and London Bridge station), Stratford Station, and Waterloo International Terminal.