Bechtel wins £36m Vauxhall job

Contractor Bechtel has won a £36m contract to modernise Vauxhall tube station from Transport for London (TfL).

The modernisation, designed to increase passenger capacity by 40%, will also allow step-free access for disabled passengers, and will be achieved while keeping the station open. Work is due to start in early 2014 and is scheduled to be completed by late 2015.

TfL said a “more efficient construction method” had allowed it to reduce the anticipated cost of the job from £45m to £36m

David Waboso, capital programmes director at London Underground, said careful thought had been given to the environmental impact of the works and how “significant” construction cost savings could be achieved.

He said: “The lift shaft will be constructed from below ground level at the side of the ticket hall to minimise the disturbance in the surrounding area. In addition, the shaft and connecting tunnels will be constructed using sprayed concrete lining techniques, which reduces the amount of excavated materials and associated haulage.”

Bechtel has previously delivered more than 100 underground station upgrades for TfL.