The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has completed a 12 track railway sidings at Orient Way to the north of Stratford five weeks early and on budget. It replaces Thornton’s Field sidings in the heart of the Olympic Park, which is now being dismantled and will allow access for logistical vehicles for the construction of the Olympic Stadium.

During the Games, the path will then be used as one of the main pedestrian access points leading up to the Olympic Stadium.

Trains have been using Orient Way, project managed by the ODA and constructed by Balfour Beatty, since last month and progress is already being made on the dismantling of Thornton's Field depot.

Balfour Beatty Rail Projects were responsible for the design and construction of the 12-road railway sidings at Orient Way. They installed over 5km of track to form the new sidings, covering the equivalent area to three full-size football pitches. The scope of works also included overhead line equipment, signalling, telecommunications, civils and associated works and the construction of a new welfare building adjacent to the sidings.


Ninety-nine per cent of the demolition and site clearance waste from the Orient Way project was recycled.

ODA Chairman John Armitt said: "The completion of Orient Way was imperative to the start of the stadium construction, and I am delighted that all delivery partners involved have completed this significant project five weeks early and on budget."

Rail Minister Tom Harris also commented: "We want to deliver a world class transport system for the Olympic games in four years time. It is very encouraging that the first piece of the infrastructure has been brought in by the ODA ahead of time and under budget.

"This is the beginning of a programme of work that will leave a long-term economic and transport legacy for London, the south-east and the rest of the UK."

Balfour Beatty Group Managing Director, Manfred Leger said: "We are extremely proud to have worked on this project for the Olympic Delivery Authority and to have been given the opportunity to continue our long-term work in creating a better London. We are delighted to be delivering the project to our usual high standard, making the sidings available five weeks ahead of schedule."