A model railway station: implementing a ‘kit of parts’ solution to Custom House – the only above-ground station on the Elizabeth line’s central section

Document type: Journal Publication
Author: Ed Newman-Sanders CEng MICE, Rosemary Smiley MEng, The Structural Engineer
Publication Date: 02/07/2018

  • Abstract

    The new Elizabeth line station at Custom House was a unique opportunity for design and construction. It is the only above-ground station on the central section of the line and will welcome millions of visitors to London’s largest conference centre, ExCeL, as well as providing vital connections for the Borough of Newham.

    A joint team from Crossrail Ltd, Atkins, Arup, Allies & Morrison, and Laing O’Rourke collaborated to develop the striking station design, creating a beacon for both the Elizabeth line and the local community. Faced with many constraints, a ‘kit of parts’ strategy was developed for Custom House’s construction, including prefabricated and standardised components.

    This approach – where much of the station was built off site – minimised work on site, drove down programme times and costs, and reduced the impact on the local community. The approach also led to Custom House’s excellent health and safety record – one of the best of any Elizabeth line station to date.

  • Document Links

  • Authors
    Photo of Ed Newman-Sanders

    Ed Newman-Sanders CEng MICE - Atkins

    Ed Newman-Sanders has twenty-five years of experience in structural building and bridge engineering design and construction. Ed was the lead structural engineer for the Crossrail route-wide common components package, C100. His work predominantly comprised the structural design and material testing for the Platform Edge screens for the five central stations. Ed was also the lead structural engineer for Crossrail’s only above-ground station in the central section, Custom House.

    Ed is a Technical Director at Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin group.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ednewmansanders/

    Photo of Rosemary Smiley

    Rosemary Smiley MEng - Atkins

    Between 2014 and 2018, Rosemary was a structural engineer for the Crossrail route-wide common components package, C100, involved in the design, material testing, and construction support for the Platform Edge Screens for the five central mined stations. Rosemary is an engineer at Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin group.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemarybrazel/