Network Rail has awarded Jacobs Engineering the contract to progress the development of a major rail infrastructure project at Stockley Flyover in west London.

The flyover is located in the very busy Heathrow Airport Junction area, servicing trains to and from Heathrow as well as along the Great Western main line. When Crossrail services begin in 2017, even more trains will travel along the lines so work is needed to improve capacity in the area.

Jacobs, one of the world's largest providers of technical, professional, and construction services, will be responsible for the design element of the work to build a new flyover near the existing layout to provide conflict-free crossing of the main line.

Robbie Burns, Network Rail's programme director for Crossrail, said: "The work at Stockley is an important step in improving reliability for all services using the rail network in the area. Network Rail is transforming the railway to make Crossrail a success and is working with many partners, including Jacobs, to deliver a railway that is safe, efficient and fit for the 21st century."

Jacobs Group vice president Bob Duff added: "We are delighted to continue our involvement with the Crossrail programme through this appointment, which will further strengthen our relationship with Network Rail and contribute to the successful delivery of Crossrail."

Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network, covering 70km of track and 28 stations from Maidenhead in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.