Barking Riverside Extension

The Morgan Sindall Infrastructure VolkerFitzpatrick (MSVF) joint venture’s work on the Barking Riverside Extension project, helped to connect communities in East London through the extension of the Gospel Oak to Barking overground line.

Project overview

The project was a joint-venture with VolkerFitzpatrick (MSVF) for the extension of the Gospel Oak to Barking Overground line.

The work consisted of the construction of an elevated terminus station at Barking Riverside, 1.5km viaduct and modification of existing Network Rail operational infrastructure from Barking station to Renwick Road. 

10,800 homes were built as part of the Barking Riverside Limited residential development. To provide transport links from the new development into Central London, the extension of the Overground network into the heart of the area is vital. The extension of the Overground line used the pre-existing rail corridor for 3km running to the east of Barking Station. 

The construction of the viaduct was surrounded by sensitive environmental considerations including local residents and a newly opened school. In addition, there were many invasive species within the rail corridor and remnants from the site’s industrial past. Nature also had an impact. The viaduct crosses the Ship and Shovel which is home to water voles and common lizards. 

The elevated station forms the centre of a new Barking Riverside town square and as such the appearance is vital. It is built on six spans of the viaduct with the southern two spans being fully clad. The station provides step-free access to the platforms and will house retail developments on the ground floor.