Completed Tunnel Allows Colindale Station to Reopen

15 Jan Completed Tunnel Allows Colindale Station to Reopen

The recent re-opening of the Colindale Tube station sees customers using a one-way system to access platforms through a temporary passageway constructed by Adept Contracts Ltd. Completed in line with the original construction timetable, the tunnel is essential to ensure the continued operation of the station while it undergoes a major upgrade.

Adept Contracts Ltd successfully surveyed, designed, and constructed the passageway for our client, Morgan Sindall. The project was completed in just eight weeks thanks to the team working day and night, led by Joe Byrnes, Adept Contracts Ltd’s Project Engineer. Byrnes said “One of the biggest challenges on this project was time, because we were given such a tight time frame within which to complete the work. But we did it successfully, thanks to the hard work of the whole team. It was a good, fun challenging project to be part of”.

The team included Construction Manager Alastair Harvey, Site Managers Dumitru Ciurla and Costel Dragan, Design Delivery lead Saiman Shrestha and Design Engineer Mihail Vasilian. The tunnel has a footprint of over 120m², the structure has a steel portal frame system with composite panels and roof, achieving a fire rating of EI60 minutes (Integrity and Insulation).

Shrestha, Adept Contracts Ltd’s Design Delivery lead, said “During construction, the team encountered several challenges, including material production issues from the manufacturer. Demonstrating our commitment to problem-solving and expertise, the site and design teams devised in-situ solutions.

“For example, they swapped the intumescent painted portal frame with a boarded solution. This adaptive approach ensured compliance within tested design standards and prevented any delays, allowing the station to open on time”.

“The successful completion of the temporary passenger tunnel at Colindale station highlights Adept Contracts Ltd.’s dedication to innovative problem-solving and adherence to project timelines. Our ability to overcome challenges and deliver high-quality solutions underscores our commitment to excellence in construction and design.”

Colindale Tube station re-opened to the public on 20 December 2024 following the successful completion of the tunnel. The continuing upgrade works at the North London station include a new landmark station building with a larger ticket hall and lift, giving the station step-free access for the first time, which has a planned autumn 2025 completion date.