Crossrail is the largest engineering project in Europe and one of the largest single infrastructure investments undertaken in the UK. It will deliver a new rail route from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, via new twin tunnels under central London.
Having already worked with Crossrail since 2009, securing this new contract will see Cambridge-based Studio 24 continue to manage Crossrail’s digital media throughout the life of the construction programme, due to finish in 2018.
The website is at the forefront of this billion pound project, and since its launch in 2010 and subsequent re-launch as a Responsive site in 2013, it continues to enable Crossrail to provide those with interests and those affected by the building process, access to up-to-date and relevant information.
Following the progress of the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) is the bespoke mapping tool ‘Near You’ that Studio 24 developed especially for the project. Using GPS tracking, it allows users to enter an address or postcode to find out what construction works are happening in their area; keeping people exceptionally well informed about construction progress, across the project.
The decision to re-launch the site in 2013 as a Responsive site, was in reaction to an increasing number of visits to the site from mobile devices, a figure that has now risen from 19% at the end of 2012, to nearly 30% since the relaunch in 2013. A relatively new design technique within the web industry, using Responsive Design allows the website to intuitively adjust the content it displays, depending on the size of device it is accessed from. This ensures the project stays current and accessible to the public where ever they are.
Managing Director Jonathan Woods commented on the tender win: "It's a fantastic achievement for Studio 24 to have won this major contract with Crossrail. Working on the web presence for Europe's largest engineering project is extremely exciting and I am delighted for my entire team. It's also great kudos for a local Cambridge business."
About Crossrail
Crossrail is the first complete new underground line in more than 30 years. It is one of the most ambitious transport construction projects undertaken in London.
Eight tunnel boring machines will be used to construct 42km of new rail tunnels. Each 1,000 tonne machine will weave their way between existing underground lines, sewers, utility tunnels and building foundations from station to station at depths of up to 40m.
The Crossrail route will pass through 38 stations and run over 100km from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 21 km (13 miles) tunnels to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.
When Crossrail opens it will increase London's rail-based transport network capacity by 10%, supporting regeneration and cutting journey times across the city. Crossrail services are due to commence through central London in 2018.
For further information about Crossrail visit www.crossrail.co.uk
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