Bridge installation at Brent Cross West station
Brent Cross West station may not be scheduled to open until December 2022, but the latest landmark on the project has been 150 years in the making.
Over the Mayday weekend, as part of a larger series of works taking place over the May bank holiday weekends, VolkerFitzpatrick installed the first part of the Eastern Overbridge, which, once complete, will provide the first pedestrian and cycleway crossing, over this part of the Midland Main Line, since the track opened at Brent Cross in the 19th century.
The span bridge lifted into place weighed 86 tonnes and was 32m long. It was fabricated off site in Doncaster and delivered to site in sections, where it was assembled before being lifted into place on Saturday 1 May, using a 750t mobile crane in the eastern site compound.
While the bridge is the most visible milestone to date, it is one of several key achievements taking place in quick succession in and around the new train station.
In March 2021, the new sidings were completed, clearing the way for the new station construction. This was accompanied by a new footbridge installation, allowing staff to cross the tracks safely to get to and from the trains.
Over the recent bank holiday weekends, work to move existing rail lines, and rebuild sections of the track were undertaken, to make way for the new platforms which will serve the station.
Late last year, plans for Brent Cross West’s eastern entrance building were revealed, and works has now commenced.
Commenting, senior project manager, Gordon Hunt, said: “This weekend’s achievements showcase the hard word our teams have undertaken over the recent months. Being able to create a crossing for the Brent Cross community is something we are all proud to be a part of, and we thank everyone for their ongoing support as we continue to construct the new station.”
The overbridge will be completed later this year and will be available for public use when the station opens in 2022.
