First major London 2012 transport project completed ahead of schedule

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has completed a 12 track railway sidings at Orient Way to the north of Stratford five weeks early and on budget. It replaces Thornton’s Field sidings in the heart of the Olympic Park, which is now being dismantled and will allow access for logistical vehicles for the construction of the Olympic Stadium.

During the Games, the path will then be used as one of the main pedestrian access points leading up to the Olympic Stadium.

Trains have been using Orient Way, project managed by the ODA and constructed by Balfour Beatty, since last month and progress is already being made on the dismantling of Thornton’s Field depot.

Balfour Beatty Rail Projects were responsible for the design and construction of the 12-road railway sidings at Orient Way. They installed over 5km of track to form the new sidings, covering the equivalent area to three full-size football pitches. The scope of works also included overhead line equipment, signalling, telecommunications, civils and associated works and the construction of a new welfare building adjacent to the sidings. 

Ninety-nine per cent of the demolition and site clearance waste from the Orient Way project was recycled. This included:

• 4,000 tonne of crushed concrete, of which 1,000 tonnes was reused on site, 3,000 tonnes was reused off site;
• 620 tonnes of tarmac;
• 180 tonnes of steel;
• 20,000 tonnes of previous site ballast was screened and reused;
• Track was 100 per cent reused.

In addition, 3,250 yards of track was lifted and reused, which is equivalent to:

• 2,070 concrete railway sleepers;
• 558 tonnes of steel rail;
• 54 tonnes of iron railway castings.

ODA Chairman John Armitt said: 'The completion of Orient Way was imperative to the start of the stadium construction, and I am delighted that all delivery partners involved have completed this significant project five weeks early and on budget.'

Rail Minister Tom Harris said: 'We want to deliver a world class transport system for the Olympic games in four years time. It is very encouraging that the first piece of the infrastructure has been brought in by the ODA ahead of time and under budget.

'This is the beginning of a programme of work that will leave a long-term economic and transport legacy for London, the south-east and the rest of the UK.'

Balfour Beatty Group Managing Director, Manfred Leger said: 'We are extremely proud to have worked on this project for the Olympic Delivery Authority and to have been given the opportunity to continue our long-term work in creating a better London. We are delighted to be delivering the project to our usual high standard, making the sidings available five weeks ahead of schedule.'

Janet Goodland, Network Rail’s Director Network Development, said: 'Orient Way plays an important part in the Olympic Park development. Its early completion is a great achievement given the construction that was involved, and is testament to the dedication, commitment and team work of the rail industry partners.

'We are pleased to have been involved in such a high-profile project and look forward to seeing the Olympic facility take further shape over the coming months.'

Andrew Chivers, Managing Director, National Express East Anglia said: 'We have been pleased to work with the ODA and our rail industry partners on the successful transfer of the train stabling and light maintenance facilities for National Express East Anglia’s fleet of trains from Thornton’s Field, to the newly completed and modern base at Orient Way.

'The transition has gone extremely well and I am grateful to everyone involved with the project for their dedication and commitment in ensuring a seamless transfer to the new facility.'

Notes to Editors

Work has already started on the dismantling of Thonrton’s Field, which has been used as sidings for 80 years for trains leaving Liverpool Street station after the morning rush hour.

Orient Way is used by train operator National Express East Anglia for the stabling of trains which operate on the routes from Liverpool Street to destinations including Clacton, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich and Southend.

For more information and time lapse footage of the tracks being laid or photos of the sidings please contact the ODA press office on 0203 2012 700.

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