Network Rail has announced a new £150 million contract for the Crossrail project.

The award has been given to engineering group Costain and will cover works on the north-east overground section of the route. The firm beat off competition from rivals Balfour Beatty and Hochtief to secure the deal.

Under the agreement, major station improvements will take place at Ilford and Romford, while enhancements will also be made to areas such as Goodmayes, Harold Wood and Gidea Park. Meanwhile, upgrade works are planned for existing tracks and overhead electrification equipment will be installed.

In addition, developers are planning to extend platforms so that longer, higher-capacity trains can use the network and new lifts will be installed in many locations across the route. 

Matthew White, surface director for the rail project, commented: "For the residents of east London and Essex, Crossrail will deliver significant benefits to passengers including new trains, better stations and quicker journeys."

Network Rail stated the design phase and main works are expected to get underway between the end of this year and 2017.