Tunnelling work to complete the Channel
Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) into St. Pancras station, north London has now begun
and its route will pass close to the Tube's Central
Line tunnels at the end of November 2002.
Due to the proximity of the CTRL route, London Underground (LU) is installing
safety monitoring equipment in both Central line tunnels while the tunnelling
takes place. In addition, it is carrying out engineering works to help reduce
any possible risk.
LU is also working with mainline train operating companies and bus service provider,
Transport for London to have a contingency plan on hand should there be any disruption
to services.
An LU spokesman said: "The tunnelling machines are designed to minimise ground
movement and we expect CTRL to carry out this work without any problems or delay.
"Nevertheless, safety is LU's top priority and we are keen to ensure that
this work does not affect the existing Central Line tunnels.
We will therefore be checking the progress of the CTRL construction using state-of-the-art
monitoring equipment.
"Though we do not anticipate any problems, LU is developing a full contingency
plan with local train operating companies and Transport for London, so that, in
the unlikely event that the Central Line service is affected, alternative travel
arrangements for our customers will be provided."
LU gained extensive experience in managing this situation during the construction
of the Jubilee
Line
