TfL commences phased restart of construction projects

Transport for London (TfL) has restarted a phased introduction of construction projects including work on a Bank Station capacity upgrade, the Northern Line extension and the transformation of Old Street Roundabout.

Construction at around 300 TfL sites was brought to a Safe Stop in late March to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Since then design and other preparatory work on many of these projects has continued, with staff and many of TfL's contractors working from home.

During the next few weeks, site preparation to accommodate social distancing and construction work will safely begin in a phased way on a number of projects.

These include major capacity improvements and extensions for Tube and rail, such as the Northern Line Extension to Battersea, the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade and the extension of London Overground to the new housing development at Barking Riverside.

They also include the transformation of Old Street Roundabout, Cycleways, safety improvements to some key road junctions and new walking and cycling infrastructure to support social distancing by encouraging active travel.

Physical changes to worksites and ways of working are being introduced by TfL and its contractors to ensure sites can reopen.

These include:

• staggered shifts and breaks to spread journeys outside peak periods and prevent large groups
• clear signage for social distancing and one-way walking routes
• additional staff welfare areas
• additional hand-washing facilities and sanitising stations
• reconfigured canteens and access to personal hand sanitisers

All sites will have a reduced number of people working at any one time, with some sites having an additional site supervisor to ensure social distancing is maintained.

Workers will be further supported at some sites by welfare wardens who will control access to common areas and changing facilities, so they do not become crowded.

Deliveries to sites are also being adapted.

Deliveries will be kept to a minimum and any delivery drivers must now enter sites with windows wound up. Instead of signing for goods being delivered, photographs are being taken.

Heidi Alexander, deputy mayor for transport, said: “It's really positive that work can now safely resume on key transport infrastructure projects, which will help to kickstart London's economic recovery.

“It's vital that construction workers make journeys to sites on foot or by bike if at all possible in order to keep services safe for those who really need it.

“If workers have to travel on public transport, I'm pleased that our plans for staggered shifts will help them avoid the busiest times.”

All staff are being actively encouraged to walk or cycle to work if they can and avoid public transport where possible.

TfL is investigating options to allow the construction sector to privately hire river boats and provide transport for workers at construction sites accessible from the river.

As work resumes, TfL will assess what effect the new ways of working will have on delivery schedules for the individual projects, subject to longer-term funding being received.

Opportunities to restart work on other projects continue to be reviewed across TfL's capital delivery programme and further updates will follow as soon as they are available.