Bechtel called in to bail out JLE

by Carol Millett



Fears that the troubled Jubilee Line Extension (JLE) will miss its latest deadline have prompted London Underground to bring in American construction giant Bechtel to ensure that it opens in time for the Millennium Exhibition.

Meanwhile, the JLE's Westminster Station will definitely not finish on time, London Underground told CJ this week. The station will remain closed to commuters when the JLE is officially opened. There is also a question mark over whether two other stations - Southwark and Canary Wharf - will be completed by the official opening date.

"Some stations will not be finished when the line opens next spring," said the spokesman. "Westminster Station will effectively be under a building site so for safety's sake will we keep it closed until the new Parliamentary building is finished. There is also a question mark over Southwark and Canary Wharf stations, although we now think they will be completed on time."

Bechtel was called in by London Underground last month in a bid to reassure Government ministers and the New Millenium Experience Company that the line will be open in time for the millenium celebrations. The company will be given a "six figure sum" to do the assessment. It will be given total access to the length and breadth of the project.

Bechtel have been given free reign on access and time. Bechtel's fee has yet to be fixed. "It will cost whatever it costs. There is no fixed figure." (See Comment, page 12).



, but it probably will be a six figure sum," said the spokesman.







LUL insists it is confident it will meet its deadline but believes it will not be taken seriously unless it is backed by an independent assessment from Bechtel. by Carol Millett



Fears that the troubled Jubilee Line Extension (JLE) will miss its latest deadline have prompted London Underground to bring in American construction giant Bechtel to ensure that it opens in time for the Millennium Exhibition.

Meanwhile, the JLE's Westminster Station will definitely not finish on time, London Underground told CJ this week. The station will remain closed to commuters when the JLE is officially opened. There is also a question mark over whether two other stations - Southwark and Canary Wharf - will be completed by the official opening date.

"Some stations will not be finished when the line opens next spring," said the spokesman. "Westminster Station will effectively be under a building site so for safety's sake will we keep it closed until the new Parliamentary building is finished. There is also a question mark over Southwark and Canary Wharf stations, although we now think they will be completed on time."

Bechtel was called in by London Underground last month in a bid to reassure Government ministers and the New Millenium Experience Company that the line will be open in time for the millenium celebrations. The company will be given a "six figure sum" to do the assessment. It will be given total access to the length and breadth of the project.

Bechtel have been given free reign on access and time. Bechtel's fee has yet to be fixed. "It will cost whatever it costs. There is no fixed figure." (See Comment, page 12).



, but it probably will be a six figure sum," said the spokesman.







LUL insists it is confident it will meet its deadline but believes it will not be taken seriously unless it is backed by an independent assessment from Bechtel.