Network Rail has issued its first major design and build tender for the surface section of Crossrail.

The invitation to tender covers a two-mile stretch from Plumstead to Abbey Wood in south-east London. It includes the design and build elements for the new Abbey Wood station, which is the terminus Crossrail station on the Kent spur.

The station work will include two new Crossrail platforms, while lifts and escalators will provide improved access. In addition, a four-track railway will be created, requiring Network Rail to improve five bridges and build two new overhead electrified railway lines between Plumstead and Abbey Wood.

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Robbie Burns, Programme Director, Network Rail, said: "This work will deliver the capacity requirements to carry 12 Crossrail trains an hour from the central tunnel section to Abbey Wood.

"The transformed Abbey Wood station will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area and provide opportunities for local employment, meeting the development aspirations of the two London boroughs it services, Greenwich and Bexley."

Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network, covering 70km of track and 28 stations from Maidenhead in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.

(CD/GK)