Crossrail stated that the first TBM, the 1,000t Elizabeth, will break through into the Canary Wharf station box in the spring followed by sister machine Victoria shortly afterwards. Crossrail added that work will begin in February to construct a temporary steel ‘cradle’ that will carry and support the TBMs as they move into the station box. Once both TBMs have passed through the station box, work will start in mid 2013 to construct the passenger platforms.
Current activity also includes continuing station fit-out work such as the installation of ventilation, escalators, mechanical and electrical equipment, drainage and utilities, while architectural fit-out works are underway with glass wall cladding being installed in the escalator tunnels. Crossrail stated that all public areas in the station’s ticket hall level will be complete by summer 2013.
"The construction of Canary Wharf station is firmly on track and gives us an early glimpse of the world-class new stations, improved transport links and huge commercial development that Crossrail will deliver throughout London," said Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail’s chief executive. "With the upper station levels continuing to take shape, we are focussing on getting the station box below ground ready for the breakthrough of the first tunnelling machine in the spring, one of the biggest milestones on the Crossrail project so far."
Cliff Bryant, executive director of Canary Wharf Contractors Limited, added: "It’s a privilege to be able to help deliver an infrastructure project that will transform our great city for generations to come. The construction team has done a terrific job delivering the Station Box five months ahead of schedule, ready for the tunnel boring machines to come through. Now we have the main structure in place above the station for an attractive new shopping development, roof top park, and the impressive Foster-designed roof. We hope Londoners will eventually consider this to be one of the city’s finest train stations."
