Network Rail has awarded a contract to Balfour Beatty Rail for the upgrade of a 12 mile section of the Great Western Main Line between West Drayton and Maidenhead to enable Crossrail services to operate.

The Crossrail 'west outer' track infrastructure contract includes:

•The detailed design, installation and commissioning of new upgraded tracks;

•Track lowering under a number of bridges to enable clearance for the overhead lines for the new electric trains;

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•Civil works related to bridge strengthening and drainage;

•Provision of a new stabling sidings area for Crossrail trains at Maidenhead;

•Minor overhead line equipment and electrical upgrade works.

The staged programme of works will start in summer 2013 with completion by summer 2017.

Jorge Mendonça, Network Rail's Crossrail Programme Director said: "Network Rail is undertaking a major upgrade of the existing rail network for Crossrail, including a significant programme of track renewals as well as station improvements. Crossrail will transform public transport, making it quicker and easier for people to get to destinations across London and the south east."

(CD/GK)