On Tue, 8 Sep 2009 13:28:40 -0700 (PDT), Mizter T
wrote:


On Sep 8, 7:13*pm, 1506 wrote:

Has actual tunneling started? *I thought it was just station boxes
under other construction and the like?

No tunnelling is happening. AIUI only the Canary Wharf (aka Isle of
Dogs) station box has started construction proper. Otherwise I think
it's all pretty much various preparatory works. Tottenham Court Road
tube station is in the early stages of being reconstructed which all
links in with Crossrail, but I don't think any major Crossrail centric
works are due to happen there for a while (not too up on the TCR
timetable though I admit).

The big kick off of major construction work is yet to come.


There will be three very large tunnelling contracts. Tenders for the
largest two of the three were invited last week. Given the scope and
complexity of the work I would guess that the tender period will be
around 3 months, so expect bids to be returned before Christmas with
an award of contract around February/March and a start on site around
May/June 2010. General Election time?

These are just guesses based on my experience of large contracts.
Someone closer to the project may have more specific dates.