Projects May 24, 2022

The Elizabeth Line – Unlocking Social and Economic Benefits Across the UK

Supporting delivery of the Elizabeth line, the most significant addition to London’s transport network in a generation

Crossrail - Mark Wild Opening Video - captions burned in.mp4
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Crossrail CEO Mark Wild welcomes the arrival of the Elizabeth line

Over two decades, we’ve supported Crossrail to deliver the Elizabeth line, a complex and significant transport solution in London, U.K., that paves the way for social, environmental and economic opportunities of national significance that will last generations. The program delivery also creates an immense learning legacy that will benefit future major infrastructure development and their communities globally.

Delivered by Crossrail Ltd, the Elizabeth line is the most significant addition to London’s transport network in a generation. It's crucial to a low-carbon transport future, providing greater connectivity and supporting regeneration across the U.K.’s capital city.

One of the biggest railway infrastructure projects in Europe, this fully digitalized, 72-mile (118km) railway line will transform travel both east-west through London, interconnecting with the wider U.K.

Part of the Transport for London network, the Elizabeth line will increase connectivity for millions of people and enable an inclusive society through increased access to jobs and education. New, fully accessible stations transform the public realm, unlocking new development and housing opportunities.

We worked as a strategic partner, in an integrated team with our client Crossrail, overseeing several key contributions on this iconic mega project. Our people have provided over two decades of agile support, from our strategic consultants and economists in the conceptualization stage, to our project teams on the mobilization and delivery phases.

“Supporting Crossrail to deliver the Elizabeth line gives a sense of pride when you realize the social and economic benefits for millions of people, creating an inclusive society and increasing jobs, education, and housing. I look forward to sharing further lessons and solutions from the U.K.’s first fully digitalized railway.”

Russell Pilgrim

Russell Pilgrim

Jacobs Program Director, Major Project & Program Group and Jacobs JV Board Director, Transcend Programme Partner for Crossrail (Crossrail 2010-2015 & 2019-2022)

“Working on the Elizabeth line was my career pivot from a water technical specialist into the arena of multi-billion-dollar major programs. Following my role on the project, it opened up more opportunities for me to leverage my skills working on programs such the Thames Tideway Tunnel and Sizewell C.”

Syinyi Phoon in Crossrail tunnel

Dr Syinyi Phoon

Jacobs Strategic Program Manager (Crossrail 2015-2016)

  • 500 K+

    digital and physical assets have needed to be assured to demonstrate and justify a safe railway

  • 41

    stations with step free access

  • 10

    major new stations in the central operating section in London

  • 10 %

    increase in central London’s rail capacity expected when line is fully operating

  • 24

    Maximum of trains per hour at peak

Crossrail - Donald Morrison Opening video - short version - captions burned in.mp4
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“The Elizabeth line is ultimately about creating economic opportunity and a more inclusive society – improving people’s quality of life. It will provide greater connectivity and reduced journey times for millions in London and the surrounding region. With 41 step free, fully accessible stations, people can enjoy better access to employment, education and leisure facilities. A fast, reliable service like the Elizabeth line also encourages people onto public transport, freeing up road space for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Donald Morrison

Donald Morrison

Jacobs Senior Vice President & Chief Growth Officer

Our relationship with the Crossrail project goes back a long way. We’ve provided a range of key services since 2001, when Crossrail Ltd was established, including business case development and from 2009 as program partner (part of the Transcend joint venture), program delivery partner and project representative.

Read more about how we supported delivery of the Elizabeth line

Discover more

Read Russell Pilgrim's insights in Building magazine and Infrastructure Intelligence.

For more visit: Crossrail's website and Learning Legacy information.

 

Podcast: Crossrail - tackling the tough questions

Crossrail: Tackling the Tough Questions

In this podcast, Crossrail Ltd CEO, Mark Wild, joins Jacobs People & Places Solutions Senior Vice President for Europe and Digital Strategies Donald Morrison and Jacobs Program Director Russell Pilgrim, to discuss learnings from and benefits of the development of London’s new Elizabeth line.

Listen here

Her Majesty The Queen: The Official Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album

Image of station platform and seating at Paddington station

Featuring the new Elizabeth line in the official book published for the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, which shares highlights of The Queen’s 70-year reign and her lifetime of leadership.

Read here