Thameslink Rolling Stock Project
Three Bridges Depot Construction
July 2013
VolkerFitzpatrick
This is the fourth newsletter issued to provide you with information about ongoing works at Three Bridges as part of the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project.
1. Progress to date:
VolkerFitzpatrick has continued to progress work on the new train maintenance depot at Three Bridges. Good progress has been achieved during the last few months with the erection of buildings on the east and west of the site.
UFC building on depot east side of Billinton Drive
Works completed to date are the Tilgate Stream culvert, a new footbridge for depot staff, ground works, piling and the erection of steel work for the depot buildings. We have also started installing pre-cast concrete side panels for the main building on the west side and the Under Floor Cleaning (UFC) building on the east side. The majority of the buildings will be clad in steel.
The UFC building will be used for train cleaning. Cleaning will be carried out using pressure washers. There will also be a carriage washer connected to the west side of the UFC building. This will
help the train operators to ensure a clean and comfortable journey for passengers.
We encountered some issues with a pre-existing concrete retaining wall on the Williams Way access road. As a result we had to close this road and open an alternative access route from Norwich Road with the assistance of Crawley Borough Council. This temporary access route will remain in place until the middle of August 2013 when Williams Way will be reopened. 24 hour security will remain at the entrance of the access road until the road is closed. The footpath closure from Norwich Road to Craven Road has been extended due to the temporary access.
2. Planned works:
We are finalising arrangements with West Sussex County Council to develop the new entrance to the east side of the depot off Billinton Drive. These works will commence in the next two months and will be controlled using traffic lights and take place out of peak traffic hours to minimise disruption.
Other works planned during the next two months are to complete the buildings’ concrete panels and then begin the cladding process, work on retaining walls on the site boundaries, undertake drainage works, and complete the bridge extension work adjacent to Norwich Road and off Maidenbower Lane.
Main Facility Building
We have been in consultation with the Council to provide the most effective landscaping for the depot and train operations. Landscaping will take place in and around the site. This will include fencing, tree and shrub planting to supplement the existing established trees and shrubs around the site boundaries and provide additional screening. The planting will be phased over the
next couple of years to enhance the existing areas before construction is completed. Early planting will be scheduled to screen the buildings, in particular the embankment on the eastern boundary off Billinton Drive.
3. Good News :
Last month the Department for Transport announced it had finalised the agreement with Siemens to provide 1,140 new carriages for the Thameslink routes. The new Siemens Desiro City train will offer a metro-style service across the centre of London with easy access on and off the train and a spacious and airy design that maximises capacity. It will be much more comfortable to travel on, as well as being far more reliable. The first train is due to enter service in early 2016.
These trains will be maintained at the new Three Bridges Depot and at the other new depot in Hornsey that VolkerFitzpatrick is constructing. You can find out more about the new trains at
www.siemens.co.uk/thameslink-signing
We are committed to keeping all local residents and businesses up to date on progress with this important project. We will continue to issue regular newsletters and you can also view the latest updates at Three Bridges Railway Station. Network Rail will also keep you up to date on any work they undertake to support the upgrade of the railway network
lf you have any queries, comments or concerns please contact VolkerFitzpatrick,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on: 07867 835078