Supporting the Elizabeth Line’s Seamless Connection
The Elizabeth line transforms London’s transportation network, connecting Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east via 21km of twin-bore tunnels beneath central London. This innovative line brings 1.5 million additional people within a 60-minute commute of London’s key business districts and provides seamless links with the Tube, Thameslink, National Rail, DLR, and London Overground.
A pivotal component of the Elizabeth line is the Stockley Flyover in Hillingdon, designed to prevent delays by enabling Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express trains to merge with the Great Western Main Line efficiently.
Geoquest collaborated with Jacobs to design and supply the reinforced retaining walls supporting the flyover. These walls needed to sustain both the critical Heathrow Express rail line and the weight of the 1,000-tonne bridge launched for the flyover. The launch process used two jacks exerting force equivalent to lifting 115 London taxis, along with 20 moveable wheels and Teflon sheets to ensure precise placement.
To ensure consistency with existing infrastructure, Geoquest designed a durable facing panel system reinforced with high-adherence galvanised steel strips. These provide long-term structural integrity, while standard durability test strips allow for life cycle monitoring of the soil reinforcement.
The Stockley Flyover exemplifies innovative engineering, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of London’s newest transport link.
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