Costain has won a 拢150m contract to build the infrastructure and stations for the Crossrail between Stratford in East London and Shenfield, in Essex

Costain has won a 拢150m contract to build the infrastructure and stations for Crossrail鈥檚 North-east spur.

The contract, which is worth an initial 拢150m , commences immediately with design and professional services work, in collaboration with Network Rail, to develop detailed plans for the infrastructure and stations between between Stratford in east London and Shenfield in Essex.

Work includes the design and build of major station improvements at Romford and Ilford; other station improvements include Forest Gate, Goodmayes, Harold Wood, Gidea Park, Chadwell Heath and Brentwood.

The main works will take place between late 2014 and 2017.

Major infrastructure improvements will also include upgrading the tracks and overhead electrification equipment as well as extra train stabling capacity and turnback facilities.

Crossrail will deliver significant benefits to passengers in east London and Essex including new trains, upgraded stations and quicker journeys.

Andrew Wyllie, chief executive of Costain, said: 鈥淲e are delighted that Network Rail has awarded us this contract on Crossrail, currently Europe鈥檚 largest infrastructure programme and a vital component of the UK鈥檚 transport network.

鈥淭his award further demonstrates our ability to deliver multidisciplinary and integrated services in long-term, strategic collaboration with our customers.鈥