Crossrail has appointed DHL Exel Supply Chain to find ways to minimise the impact of construction on central London.
DHL is set to begin work on a logistics study to determine the most efficient way for materials and equipment to be delivered to key construction sites in the area without causing unnecessary disruption to traffic flow.
Main construction works are due to begin in 2010, ahead of the 2012 Olympics, and include 21km of twin-bore tunnels constructed underneath central London with new stations at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Whitechapel and Isle of Dogs.
As part of the study DHL will design and configure supply chain solutions for the central area of the Crossrail route over the next five months. This will include plans for a logistics “control tower” to co-ordinate supply movements and consolidation centres where construction materials will be delivered in bulk prior to being taken to sites as and when they are needed.
Keith Berryman, executive director of Crossrail, said: “All construction projects by their very nature will result in some degree of disruption but it is critically important that the impact on central London is kept to a minimum while Crossrail’s construction is underway.
“We have commissioned this logistics study by DHL to identify how materials should be delivered to construction sites in central London. DHL will develop solutions that do not adversely impact economic activity, which is a key concern for the mayor and Transport for London, business groups and other stakeholders.
“This logistics study by Crossrail is consistent with TfL’s London Freight Plan which aims to deliver a step-change improvement in how freight is delivered around London including the delivery of construction materials to construction sites. By carefully planning how construction materials will be delivered we can also eliminate unnecessary lorry journeys which benefits London through less congestion but also through lower carbon dioxide emissions.”
