Construction complete as Crossrail hands Whitechapel station to TfL

Following the successful delivery by Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and VINCI Construction (BBMV), Crossrail has handed over the Whitechapel Elizabeth Line station to Transport for London.

The new Whitechapel Elizabeth line station will see thousands of commuters pass through each day, providing quicker, easier and more convenient travel across London.

In addition, the joint venture successfully delivered the tunnelling works at both Whitechapel Elizabeth line and Liverpool Street stations; delving beneath the ground to excavate 60,000m³ of material.

Whitechapel Elizabeth line station is acknowledged as one of the most complex and challenging stations on the Crossrail project. The new station concourse was constructed on a bridge consisting of 2,800 tonnes of structural steelwork, above the existing station and two operational railway lines – the London Overground and London Underground.

Steve O’Sullivan, BBMV project director, said: “As I reflect on this incredible feat of engineering, I have never been more proud of what our incredible team have delivered. It truly is testament to the collaborative culture of our joint venture, who have persevered throughout the challenges faced by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“We now look forward to watching as the station plays a role in transforming travel across London, whilst also supporting wider regeneration in the local area through job creation and opportunities for local businesses.”

Mark Wild, Crossrail chief executive, said: "The whole team at Whitechapel have done a fantastic job weaving between the existing operational transport services to create this incredible new Elizabeth line station which has been one of the most challenging Elizabeth line stations to construct. I am delighted this station has now been handed over to London Underground and I am sure customers will be very impressed when they start using the new station entrance."

Passengers will access the new station through the sensitively restored original entrance on Whitechapel High Street, opened in 1876. The new station has nine lifts and three escalators and will, for the first time, provide step-free access to improve accessibility for those visiting the renowned Royal London Hospital and the surrounding area.