Crossrail project: commercial aspects of works contracts for London’s Elizabeth line

Document type: Journal Publication
Author: David Morrice MRICS, Megan Hands, ICE Publishing
Publication Date: 25/09/2017

  • Abstract

    Choosing the right commercial arrangements between the client and contractors was critical to successful delivery of the £14·8 billion Crossrail project to deliver the Elizabeth line east–west railway across London. This paper explains how delivery organisation Crossrail Limited used the NEC3: Engineering and Construction Contract to procure £6·5 billion of main works packages from a wide range of major contractors. The objective was to ensure a fair balance of risk and reward, to allow changes to be accommodated and to enable programme challenges to be addressed as they arose.

    The paper also deals with the client’s approach to commercial management during the course of the 6 year programme, through to final settlement of accounts with contractors.

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  • Authors
    Photo of David Morrice

    David Morrice MRICS

    As Crossrail’s Delivery Contracts Director, David has been the Employer’s commercial lead since the start of construction in 2011.  David has been responsible for providing leadership and guidance to the Crossrail delivery teams on the NEC contract, managing disputes and settlements with Contractors and setting commercial strategies to ensure successful delivery of the programme.  Prior to the construction phase David was a member of the Crossrail procurement team.  David’s career in infrastructure spans 25 years;  he was previously a Partner of Gardiner and Theobald although his initial career was with Mott MacDonald highways and structures

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