Challenge
The Jubilee Line is a London Underground line that runs between Stanmore in suburban north-west London and Stratford in east London, via the Docklands, South Bank and West End. It opened in 1979 and it is one of the newest lines on the underground network, although some sections of track date back to 1932 and some stations to 1879. The Jubilee Line extension from Green Park to Stratford opened to the public in 1999. Ridership on the line has increased substantially since the extension and the Jubilee Line is now London’s 3rd busiest underground line, with four of the 10 busiest stations in London.
The staircase pressurisation systems needed updating to bring all up to safety and performance standards, without disruption to passenger service.
The safety critical and life-saving works were paramount as the original system had aged and improvements were needed to guarantee 100% reliability.
Success
Delatim contracted Burnell to survey and design, install and commission new control panel components for the Jubilee Line staircase pressurisation systems.
In a fire alarm scenario, the staircase pressurisation systems are designed to operate and pressurise the emergency exit staircases, preventing smoke from entering the escape route, whilst providing a safe place for fire-fighters to tackle fire.
The project incorporated 18 sites across the Jubilee Line extension that opened in 1999.
The Jubilee Line project ran smoothly from start to finish.
All works were completed without any disruption to London Underground service.
Works included a large period of surveys and designs were created for every single panel. The survey process was extensive as it involved a period of discovery. Burnell identified how the existing system functioned and how to upgrade it to bring it up to the high standard and quality of the modern day. Gathering a general knowledge and understanding of the site and system in place was paramount in preparation for the new design. Burnell looked after the design and installation of new control components approved by Delatim and Transport for London prior to installation.
Burnell’s first installation took place on site in April 2023 and the final installation took place in October 2024.
Burnell’s work schedule was tightly coordinated with Delatim’s programme of works. The control works had to be completed on programme and on time to provide the necessary provisions for other trades involved in the project. Burnell was able to adapt to the programme requirements and successfully completed all 18 sites on time, and to the agreed works programme. This was commended by Delatim.