Cross London Rail Links Ltd (CLRL), the company leading the Crossrail project to build a new rail line across London, from Maidenhead to Shenfield and Abbey Wood, has awarded the first of four multi-disciplinary design contracts for development work to Scott Wilson.

The appointment of Scott Wilson as multi-disciplinary consultant is a major step forward in the co-ordinated plan to deliver Crossrail, and unlock the wide range of benefits it will provide.

Scott Wilson will work closely with Network Rail to prepare an affordable reference design for the surface works of the project, which will form the basis for construction, possible once the Crossrail Bill has received royal assent and become an Act. The contract is worth between £12m and £15m.

Contract signing: Douglas Oakervee, Executive
Chairman of Cross London Rail Links Ltd (left) with
Geoff French, Chairman of Scott Wilson Group plc

Douglas Oakervee OBE, Executive Chairman of CLRL, comments: 'Scott Wilson have been appointed after a rigorous selection process. They are an internationally renowned company with extensive experience of the UK's rail infrastructure and working with Network Rail.'

Keith Wallace, CEO Railways for Scott Wilson added: 'We are delighted to have secured this role, following our work with CLRL in delivering the Bill, and see it very much in line with our core skills on major multi-disciplinary railway projects worldwide. We look forward to working with CLRL, their partners and stakeholders, to deliver the Crossrail project.'

In December 2005 CLRL announced the selection of Bechtel Ltd as Development Manager. Bechtel has since been working with CLRL's existing in-house project team, putting in place the management arrangements for the development of the scheme ahead of the appointment of the multi-disciplinary consultants.

The Crossrail House of Commons Select Committee is currently considering petitions against the Crossrail Bill. When it has reported, the Bill will be considered by the House of Lords, and when both the House of Commons and House of Lords have agreed on a final wording of the Bill, it will receive royal assent and become an Act.

Ends

Issued 28 March 2006

For further information please contact: the 24 hour seven day a week helpline on 0845 602 3813 or e-mail helpdesk@crossrail.co.uk

Note:

Scott Wilson Group plc is one of the leading international consultants in Planning, Engineering, Management and the Environment, with around two thirds of its workload in the transport sector. They currently have projects in over 80 countries of Europe, Asia and Africa with over 50 permanent offices worldwide, employing some 3,800 people.

Scott Wilson floated on the London Stock Exchange two weeks ago. Scott Wilson Railways, a division of Scott Wilson plc is one of the UK's leading rail consultants, with a focus on major projects.

Currently they are engaged on no fewer than 11 major projects with a capital value in excess of £350m and a total value in excess of £45bn. These include the West Coast Route Modernisation; the High Speed Line in Holland; the Athens Metro and Victoria Station Upgrade.