The £225m scheme to deliver a state-of-the-art light rail link for Luton Airport is on course for a 2021 opening, heralding another engineering breakthrough for HBPW’s experienced rail team.
Regarded as one of the UK’s most important intermodal transport projects this side of the Millennium, work on the Luton Airport Light Rail Link began in earnest two years ago.
The aim was to create a new above ground 247 Direct to Air Rail Transit (DART) system, that would seamlessly move passengers between Luton Airport Parkway and the flight terminal in under four minutes. Travellers from St Pancras would also be able to reach London Luton Airport in just 30 minutes.
Now, the scheme is close to becoming a reality.
Engineer James Cable, part of the HBPW team, said: “We were charged with delivering the engineering for the construction of a new pedestrian footbridge over the railway tracks at Luton Parkway Station.
“Our element also included associated lifts and three escalators – two doubles and a single – in the operational platforms, in order to provide a greater capacity link between the Network Rail station and the new Mass Passenger Transit system.”
Most of this new infrastructure is now in place. “The pedestrian footbridge simply awaits cladding, glazing and the necessary finishes,” added James, “whilst the lifts, escalators and canopies are also in position.
“This has been a major feat of engineering but one of the key real challenges was keeping a busy railway station and bus terminus operational during the construction phase. We had to temporarily reduce the width of station platforms in order to create the room to construct the new bridge foundations and superstructure, whilst also accommodating a 24-hour train schedule.”
The entire project is about the efficient movement of people, particularly in the south of England where heavy population density continues to place increasing pressure on transport networks. The aim is to transform the experience of those travelling to the airport by rail and encourage more people to do so, whilst reducing congestion on the roads.
Eventually monorail services will run between two purpose-built stations at Bartlett Square (formerly Stirling Place) on the north-east side of the existing rail lines, and the airport terminal, crossing a new gateway bridge over Airport Way. From there the route will be elevated, running south to the existing rail line, until it reaches the A1081 where it will cross the A1081 (Airport Way) via a new ‘Gateway Bridge’. At London Luton Airport terminal, passengers will be able to leave the DART and access the terminal quickly.
Partner, Paul Monaghan, added: “HBPW has an impressive range of rail credentials and we are proud to have been involved in this major infrastructure project. It has had it challenges but we continue to meet them all. I am incredibly proud of our in-house rail team and we look forward to seeing the final project come to fruition in 2021.”