- The removal of three cranes required thousands of hours of planning and preparation
- Over the last 25 years, the large cranes weighing up to 29 tons have been familiar landmarks to rail passengers travelling into Euston
Reports confirm that three large container cranes at Willesden in west London have been taken away to make way for an HS2 logistics hub that would support the construction of the new high-speed line of tunnels in London. As per trusted sources, the 22-meter high gantry cranes weigh up to 290 tons and have been familiar landmarks to rail passengers travelling into Euston over the recent 25 years.
Project Director at HS2, Colin Thomas was reportedly quoted saying that the rail logistics hub would prove to be the beating heart of the construction industry in the capital once it is up and running. This would enable manufacturers to deliver materials and equipment and take out humongous amounts of excavated material by rail.
The effective and safe riddance of the Willesden cranes is the first step to make the delivery system efficient and is a very visible reminder of the advances the project has been making in the delivery of Britain’s new high-speed line, Thomas further added.
Sources familiar with the development claim that each crane had to be lifted and shifted up to 100 meters, so they can be safely dismantled away from the neighboring rail track. The removal of three cranes required thousands of hours of planning and preparation and is being said to be one of the most complex engineering challenges faced by the project till date.
ALE Project Manager, David Trigg reportedly commented that the project faced more challenges than the usual port cranes performed till date as these are generally rigid and the load bearing pressures are restricted. Given the complexities involved in the project, it was highly rewarding for the team to witness the coming together of all the detailed planning, Trigg further added.