Schemes set to resume include Bank station upgrade and Northern Line extension
Work on several Transport for London construction projects has resumed with more set to restart in the coming weeks as lockdown eases.
Construction at around 300 TfL sites was brought to a halt in late March to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
But several major schemes are now gearing up to restart with site preparation to accommodate social distancing beginning over the next few weeks.
Schemes set to get back up and running include Laing O’Rourke’s Northern Line extension to Battersea, Dragados’ Bank station upgrade and Morgan Sindall and VolkerFitzpatrick’s extension of the London Overground to the new housing development at Barking Riverside. Morgan Sindall’s revamp of Old Street roundabout is also on the list of jobs due to get going again.
TfL said it has worked closely with its contractors and supply chain to ensure all sites operate safely and fully comply with the latest guidance from the government and Public Health England.
> Coronavirus: What the major construction firms are doing with their sites
Changes that will be introduced onsite include staggered shifts and breaks to spread journeys outside peak periods, clear signage for social distancing and one-way walking routes.
There will also be additional staff welfare areas, hand-washing facilities and sanitising stations and reconfigured canteens and access to personal hand sanitisers.
All sites will have a reduced number of people working at any one time, with some jobs having an additional site supervisor to ensure social distancing is maintained.
A number of schemes will have welfare wardens who will control access to common areas and changing facilities to prevent them from becoming too crowded.
Deliveries to sites will also be kept to a minimum with those delivery drivers arriving at sites being asked to keep windows wound up while instead of signing for goods being delivered, photographs will be taken instead.
All staff are being actively encouraged to walk or cycle to work if they can and avoid public transport where possible.
TfL is also investigating options to allow the construction sector to privately hire river boats and provide transport for workers at construction sites accessible from the river.
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