Limehouse Station Escalators

The project comprised the design and construction of a new steel framed canopy extension to enhance the capacity and access at Limehouse Station. The works included demolition of the existing PRM ramp, curtain wall façade enclosure and canopy and construction of a new DDA compliant PRM Ramp with LED handrail lighting and foundations and drainage for a new steel framed canopy extension and station enclosure.

The scheme also included the construction of a new escalator plant room and pit and installation of new escalators. Associated works comprised of new extended access to the high-level platform with new CCTV, PAVA, automatic passenger counters, new internal and external lighting, signage and finishes.

The design approval was onerous in that the Franchisee (KAD) would not sign off designs or comment within the period for reply; much of the work proceeded at risk to prevent programme slippage with agreement from the DLR Project Manager. The escalators were previously procured ahead of the tender by DLR from OTiS. However, during the construction period, we directly employed another specialist installer for this facet of the work to meet the programme’s critical path.

LED lit handrails were used extensively to reduce light pollution and eradicate glare for local residents and ease of maintenance which were installed at a height of 1.1m instead of at high level. The project’s lighting strategy was changed to ensure the lights could be maintained without the need for working above the escalators. Long life LED lights were installed to improve energy efficiency and maintenance costs (min 50,000hrs life span/15years).

All street lighting columns were also designed to be hinged to eradicate working at height for their maintenance and repair when required.

Night works were almost eliminated from the works with early engagement with DLR and local authorities with robust control measures in place to allow crane lifts to be carried out during normal traffic hours. This method of working had minimal impact upon the station’s operation, or local road network.

Polystyrene infill was used extensively to replace concrete and aggregate infill, reducing the use of concrete (high C02) and limestone fill which also saved on programme duration and manual handling.

GGBS concrete mixes were used to reduce the carbon impact of the works. GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag) is a by-product from the blast-furnaces used to make iron. Recycled aggregates were also used throughout the scheme. During demolition all the granite setts were lifted, set aside and reused on the project.

At the beginning of the scheme, a proprietary disabled ramp was installed to maintain DDA access to remove the requirement for extensive scaffolding which provided a cost saving to the client. Following completion of the scheme, the ramp was donated to the Stephen Hawking School, Limehouse.