Experiences from Eurotunnel. Impact on the Current Cross Rail Programme Management

Seminar paper from the year 2013 in the subject Economy - Transport Economics, grade: B, University of Hertfordshire, language: English, abstract: Mega-infrastructure networks are highly complex, costly, challenging to conceive and develop and have long lasting substantial direct development impacts on economies, communities and institutions at the local, regional, national and international level. The report is an evaluation of lessons learned from Eurotunnel Project and their applicability and relevance to the ongoing Crossrail development. An integration of assessment and case study methodology is used in the research.

Results identify key learning points from the Eurotunnel project as; effective governance mechanism, proper reporting system, fast decision making, and good stakeholder management. Principal negative aspects of the Eurotunnel project include; lack of strong client sponsorship, poor relationship between suppliers and clients, multiple disputes and claims, and poor forecasting and planning. Key recommendations to the ongoing Crossrail project include; establishment of an efficient team, crafting an effective governance mechanism, establishing an explicit communication strategy, clear identification of targets and ensuring an excellent non-adversarial client-supplier culture.