Client
Transport For London (TFL)
Main Contractor
Erith Contractors
Duration
August 2020 to October 2022
Work Undertaken
Design, Engineering, Materials Supply, Plant & Equipment Supply, Labour Supply
Tunnel Information
4.6. diameter SCL Tunnel, 33 metres long with two Cross Passages
Overview
Commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) and delivered by Erith Contractors, the project focused on the construction of a 4.6m diameter Sprayed Concrete Lining (SCL) tunnel, spanning 33 metres, including the complex excavation of two cross passages. Unlike traditional labour-only contracts, Tunnelcraft was entrusted with the full package of works, providing a comprehensive end-to-end service from initial design through to final construction.
The Challenge
Executing structural upgrades within a live, historic station environment like Paddington presents extreme logistical and technical constraints:
Integrated Responsibility: The client required a partner who could manage the entire lifecycle of the tunnel drive—including design, plant procurement, and material supply—rather than managing multiple sub-contractors.
Confined Urban Tunnelling: Working within a restricted footprint required precision engineering to avoid disrupting existing station operations and underground assets.
Complex SCL Requirements: The use of Sprayed Concrete Lining (SCL) in a 4.6m diameter bore demands high levels of technical control to ensure structural integrity and safety.
The Solution
Tunnelcraft transitioned from a specialist labour provider to a full-service lead contractor, managing the entire scope of the tunnel works. Our solution included:
End-to-End Management: By providing the Trade Foremen, Fitters, and Electricians, Tunnelcraft ensured that every technical aspect of the upgrade was overseen by a single, accountable partner.
Full Package Delivery: We assumed total responsibility for the Design, Engineering, and Materials Supply, ensuring a seamless transition from the drawing board to the tunnel face.
Comprehensive Plant & Equipment: We sourced and managed all necessary machinery, including the SCL Batching Plant and Crawler Cranes, to maintain a self-sufficient and efficient site.
Specialist SCL Workforce: We deployed an elite team of SCL 360 Miners and Nozzlemen, supported by Civil Engineers and Project Managers, to execute the 33-metre drive and cross passages to exacting standards.