Shortlist announced for Connaught refurb

Crossrail confirmed the shortlist for two contracts on 2 September, one for the refurbishment of the Connaught Tunnel and one for constructing the Pudding Mill Lane Tunnel portal.

Shortlisted for contract 315 for the Connaught Tunnel are Vinci Construction UK; Hochtief Murphy joint venture; Bam Nuttall; and VolkerFitzpatrick Barhale joint venture. The approximately 550m long tunnel runs between Royal Victoria Dock and Royal Albert Dock, and will need to be enlarged to accommodate Crossrail trains. About 100m of tunnel wall will need to be replaced with a new lining and other parts will be retained and repaired.

For contract 350 for the tunnel portal at Pudding Mill Lane, the shortlist includes Vinci Construction UK;? Carillion Construction;? Dragados-Sisk Joint Venture; and? Morgan Sindall. The other tunnel portal will be located at Royal Oak, where

prep work started in January for a 190m diaphragm walled box to form the foundation for a TBM launch.

The invitation to tender for both of the contracts will be issued in October, and Crossrail said it intends to award them in 2011.