Network Rail has issued an invitation to tender for the detailed design and construction of the 13 stations on the western section of the Crossrail route from Acton Main Line to Maidenhead.

Jorge Mendonca, Crossrail programme director, Network Rail, said: “Network Rail is transforming the railway to make Crossrail a success for the passengers who will use the service and the economic future of this region. We have developed our designs for the stations on the Western section, in order to provide better services for users and provide access to the communities served by the Crossrail route.”

New station buildings are required at Acton Main Line, Southall, West Ealing and Hayes & Harlington and a major renovation at Ealing Broadway including an enlarged ticket hall, new footbridge, new lifts and pedestrianised forecourt.

New lifts and platform extensions will be installed at West Drayton station, while Maidenhead station will benefit from new lifts, a new platform and platform extensions. A site compound will also be built behind Maidenhead station which will be used for six stabling sidings and staff accommodation for drivers and cleaners. Platform extensions will be needed at Langley, Burnham, Slough and Iver. Minor architectural work including new signage will be undertaken at Taplow and Hanwell.

The work is split into an inner section, from Acton Main Line to Hayes & Harlington, and an outer section from West Drayton to Maidenhead. Applicants are able to apply for either contract, or both. The contracts are planned to be awarded in spring 2013.

When it opens in 2018, Crossrail will provide ten trains per hour on the Great Western main line at peak. This will include four trains per hour to Maidenhead and Heathrow and two trains to West Drayton.

Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing rail network. The work includes upgrading 43 miles of track, improving 27 stations from Maidenhead in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.