An illustration of West Ealing Station. Credit: Network Rail.

Construction contractors Graham and Hochtief have secured contracts from Network Rail to upgrade three railway stations for the Crossrail project.

The contracts involve a wide array of works at the six stations to accommodate increased passenger flow when the Elizabeth line fully opens.

Hochtief will undertake works at West Drayton, Hayes & Harlington and Southall stations, while Graham has been assigned to work at Acton Main Line, West Ealing and Ealing Broadway.

The upgraded stations will include enhanced ticket counters, as well as better accessibility with lifts and footbridges.

“These station upgrades are vital to supporting the increased numbers of passengers who will use these stations once the Elizabeth line is fully open.”

Network Rail has already completed enabling works for new station buildings. It has deployed the foundations and steel frames to support accessible footbridges and lift shafts.

Crossrail chief executive Mark Wild said: “London needs the Elizabeth line completed as quickly as possible and brought into service for passengers.

“It is very encouraging that Network Rail are now able to award these remaining station contracts, which form an important part of their remaining work on the Crossrail project.

“These station upgrades are vital to supporting the increased numbers of passengers who will use these stations once the Elizabeth line is fully open.”

All works are expected to be delivered by December next year.

Overall, the Crossrail project involves delivering the Elizabeth line connecting Reading and Heathrow in the west with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east through a 21km tunnel.

The project is estimated to increase central London’s rail capacity by 10%.

Last month, Crossrail announced revised plans to open the Elizabeth Line by March 2021.