Crossrail said the mutual decision was made “due to the volume of work remaining and the number of people required on site to complete the station” in a post-Covid world.
One site source told the Enquirer: “Word went around the job on Tuesday that this was happening and that Wednesday would be their last day.”
The Enquirer understands that Crossrail and the contractors were in discussions until midnight to agree terms of the split.
The problem job is the only one of ten central London Crossrail stations that is not yet ready for the trial running of trains.
Continued productivity issues on the site have seen it lag behind other stations.
Crossrail bosses hope to have the central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood finally up and running from summer 2021.
The £18bn project was originally due to open in December 2018.
The latest project update earlier this month said: “All central section stations, except Bond Street, have now been certified as ready to support Trial Running – Bond Street will be ready to support Trial Running by the end of July.”
The Costain/Skanska joint venture started work at Bond Street in February 2013 on a contract originally valued at £200m which was expected to be completed by February 2017.
A Crossrail Ltd spokesperson said: “In the light of Covid-19, we have been reviewing and re-structuring any works that are essential to opening the railway and to ensure we complete the Elizabeth line in the most effective and efficient way.
“This includes at Bond Street which is uniquely affected by the post-Covid world due to the volume of work remaining and the number of people required on site to complete the station.
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“Over the last few weeks Crossrail Ltd has been in discussions with Costain Skanska Joint Venture (CSJV) to agree a way forward for Bond Street.
“As a result, Crossrail Ltd and CSJV have mutually agreed to conclude the existing contract as of midnight on 24 June and will work together to ensure a safe and effective transition. Crossrail Ltd will be putting in place new arrangements to complete the works which largely relate to fit-out and testing and commissioning activity.”
“Despite the significant challenges COVID-19 brings our focus remains on doing everything we can to open the central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood as soon as possible and the earliest possible opening for Bond Street.”
A CSJV spokesperson said: “In the light of COVID-19, Crossrail has been reviewing and re-structuring any works that are essential to opening the railway and to ensure it completes the Elizabeth line successfully.
“This includes at Bond Street which is uniquely affected by the COVID-19 crisis, due to the number of operatives required on site to complete the station.
“Crossrail will now consider plans for any future works in a post COVID-19 environment.
“As a result, Crossrail and CSJV have mutually agreed to conclude the joint venture’s works under the existing contract as of midnight on 24 June and will work together to mitigate costs and to ensure a safe and effective transition.”
Crossrail will complete the works in-house which largely relate to fit-out and testing and commissioning activity.
The Enquirer understands Engie are also now on site to carry-out “care and custody and security arrangements” at Bond Street.
CSJV continues to work with Crossrail as main contractor at Paddington where arrangements are unchanged.
