Project Overview:

Silvertown Station represents a key component of the Elizabeth Line extension, providing a new transport interchange in East London's Royal Docks area. As part of Transport for London's infrastructure expansion, the project involved complex underground construction works, requiring extensive lifting operations to support excavation, structural installation, and fit-out phases. A member of the Cambridge Lifting Services team served in dual roles as both Crane Operator and Crane Supervisor throughout different phases of this major transport infrastructure project.

Operational and Supervisory Responsibilities:

Working on a Transport for London project of this scale required adherence to rigorous safety protocols and coordination with multiple contractors across an extended construction programme. Responsibilities included:

As Crane Operator:

• Operating tower and mobile cranes to support excavation works, including the removal of spoil and excavated materials from underground works

• Lifting and positioning structural steel, reinforcement cages, formwork, and precast concrete elements for the station structure

• Handling mechanical and electrical plant, including ventilation equipment, escalators, lifts, and platform infrastructure

• Supporting the installation of station fit-out materials, architectural finishes, and passenger facilities

• Managing lifts in proximity to existing Underground infrastructure and active transport corridors

• Operating within TfL's strict safety and operational protocols, including permits to work and isolation procedures

As Crane Supervisor:

• Overseeing crane operations across multiple work fronts and construction phases

• Coordinating lifting activities with civils contractors, steelwork subcontractors, M&E trades, and TfL's project management team

• Reviewing and approving lift plans for complex or critical lifts, particularly those involving proximity to live railway infrastructure

• Conducting pre-lift planning meetings and toolbox talks with site personnel

• Managing crane positioning strategies to accommodate the evolving site layout as construction progressed from excavation through to station completion

• Ensuring compliance with TfL-specific requirements, CDM regulations, and industry best practices for lifting operations on railway projects

• Monitoring weather conditions and implementing operational restrictions when required

• Coordinating material deliveries and crane availability to support critical path activities

Site-Specific Challenges:

Underground station construction presents distinct lifting challenges. Deep excavations mean managing lifts into and out of confined work areas with limited visibility and restricted access. The proximity to existing transport infrastructure—both Underground lines and surface routes—requires constant awareness of exclusion zones and coordination with Network Rail and TfL operational teams.

The urban East London location meant working within spatial constraints, managing crane positioning around existing buildings and utilities, and coordinating deliveries through congested access routes. As the project progressed from bulk excavation through structural works to fit-out, the lifting requirements evolved significantly, demanding flexible planning and resource management.

Key Experience Gained:

Silvertown Station provided comprehensive experience across the full spectrum of lifting operations on major civil engineering and transport infrastructure projects. This included:

• Understanding the unique safety and operational requirements of working on live railway environments and in proximity to Transport for London assets

• Managing high-volume lifting operations supporting intensive construction programmes with demanding timelines

• Coordinating multiple cranes and lifting resources across complex, multi-phase projects

• Developing expertise in deep excavation support, including handling sheet piling, temporary works, and ground engineering equipment

• Working within heavily regulated environments where safety protocols are non-negotiable and documentation requirements are extensive

• Problem-solving when site conditions, access restrictions, or programme changes require rapid replanning of lifting strategies

• Building relationships with tier-one contractors and understanding the commercial and programme pressures that drive major infrastructure delivery

Project Impact:

The experience gained at Silvertown Station—both as an operator executing the lifts and as a supervisor managing the broader lifting strategy—provides Cambridge Lifting Services with deep understanding of what major infrastructure projects demand from their lifting partners. This isn't theoretical knowledge; it's practical experience gained on one of London's most significant transport projects.

Working on TfL infrastructure demonstrated that successful lifting operations require meticulous planning, absolute adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to adapt as projects evolve. The dual perspective of operating cranes and supervising operations means CLS understands both the technical execution and the strategic coordination required to keep complex projects moving.

These lessons—gained in one of the most demanding construction environments in the UK—are applied to every project CLS undertakes, ensuring clients receive lifting services underpinned by genuine expertise in high-stakes, complex environments.