750,000 Rawlplug anchors in the Jubilee Line extension of the London Underground!

The Jubilee Line Extension is one of the most advanced infrastructure projects in the London Underground system. The new route, connecting Green Park to Stratford, was developed in response to the growing transport demands of South and East London. Construction began in the 1990s, and the extension was opened in stages between May and December 1999.

Modern vision and unique design

The Jubilee Line Extension project stands out from earlier London Underground developments. The stations feature spacious interiors, a raw aesthetic, and a combination of polished metal and formed concrete. Some of them are truly impressive in scale—Canary Wharf, often compared to a cathedral, is so large that One Canada Square, if laid flat, would fit inside with room to spare. Meanwhile, Westminster station is distinguished by a dramatic vertical void extending 40 meters deep.

Safety and future-proofing

The new infrastructure was designed with maximum passenger safety and convenience in mind. One of the key influences was the 1987 King’s Cross fire, which highlighted the dangers of overcrowding and insufficient emergency exits. As a result, larger platforms, multiple evacuation routes, and improved passenger flow optimization were incorporated into the design to prevent similar incidents.

Additionally, full-height platform screen doors were introduced, enhancing ventilation, reducing accident risks, and improving the overall energy efficiency of the metro system.

Architectural concept

The architectural design of the Jubilee Line Extension was led by a team of renowned architects under the direction of Roland Paoletti. From the outset, the vision was to create distinct station identities while maintaining a unified design philosophy and functional consistency.

Many stations were designed to maximize the use of natural light, enhancing passenger comfort and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The dominant materials—polished metal and concrete—emphasize the modern, industrial character of this part of the London Underground.

Rawlplug products and their applications

Over 750,000 Rawlplug anchors were installed in the Jubilee Line extension project, ensuring secure and durable connections throughout the infrastructure:

• R-SPL SafetyPlus anchors with M12 hex head screw and zinc coating were used to support temporary walkways during construction, as well as for temporary fixings for cable supports, slurry pipes, and fire systems.
• R-SPL SafetyPlus anchors with M12 hex head screw and special sherardized coating were applied to secure all permanent cable brackets, fire systems, lighting, and other elements attached to the concrete segments along the 18 km of tunnels.
• R-RLK stainless steel Rawloks were used for fixing mechanical and electrical systems in the plant rooms.
• R-CAS-V vinylester spin-in capsule anchors with threaded rods were installed for cladding and curtain walling on all stations.
• Rawlnut M12 wall plugs were used for temporary fixings, supporting air supply ductwork suspended from the tunnel roof.
• R-RBL-E RAWLBOLT eye bolts were used for fixing leaky feeder cables, enabling train operators to communicate with central control in emergencies. The cable runs the full length of the tunnel and is held 200 mm from the concrete surface by studs projecting from the RAWLBOLT shield with an eye at the end.

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