Floating Slab Track
74. To ensure a fair and consistent approach to Petitioners'
concerns, the Committee asked the Promoter to ensure that floating
slab track was installed in all tunnels which are routed under
residential property at a depth of 15 metres or less. We also
made it clear that, should a better technology be available before
the construction of the tunnels takes place, it should be considered
for use as a substitute to floating slab track.
75. The Promoter accepted the Committee's decision,
and therefore will require the nominated undertaker to install
floating slab track as the permanent track support system in the
Crossrail running tunnels below residential buildings, where the
tunnel would rise to within 15 metres or less of the building.
The Committee was delighted with this commitment and was certain
that it would significantly reduce the disruption experienced
by those living over the Crossrail tunnels.
76. We were minded also to recommend that the entire
Crossrail route used floating slab track, as the permanent track
support system in the Crossrail running tunnels. Such a system
would offer an enormous opportunity to reduce significantly the
disruption experienced by all London residents and workers as
trains pass in tunnels below them. However, we recognised that
such a decision would have a considerable impact on the cost of
the construction of the railway. We therefore ask the Promoter
only to consider implementing floating slab track across the route
if the track became cost-effective.
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