TfL Ref: FOI-1571-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 3 October 2022, asking for information about a glass failure in the canopy at Canning Town Bus Station.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Specifically you asked:
- What are the plans in this regard?
The glass failure was attributed to Nickel Sulphide Inclusions (NiS), which can occur during the manufacturing process of toughened glass. If NiS is present in the glass, there is a risk that the glass might break. Fortunately NiS are rare. The glass roof panels are made to a high standard, having the British Standard and being subject to High Temperature testing (HST).
They have a design life of 40-50 years. The existing panels have been in place cc22-years. The risk of other glass panels cannot be readily ascertained as the probability of having NiS is low, however the scaffolding was put in place to protect members of the public and staff fin case of further risk of falling glass and to provide a platform from which future contractors can undertake remedial works.
- Are there repairs planned for Canning Town bus station ceiling post the July 2021 incident?
A project is in place to replace the glass with an alternative. This requires a new design and technical approval, installation and handover into maintenance.
Our contractors are in the process of carrying out a Feasibility Study which is expected to be completed early November 2022. The output will provide the business with options to resolve the issue, which will be reviewed by TfL Engineering before the most suitable option is chosen.
3. When will station get back to its former clean look with all temporary support fixtures removed?
Once a suitable solution has been agreed, the contractors will provide a programme for the works, upon which we will be able to provide a timescale.
4. What is estimated cost if these repairs and is TFL able to claim these from insurers or the construction firm who built the ceiling?
The canopy has been in place for 22 years and was fully tested on completion; there will be no recourse to claim money back from the contractor’s insurers.
Circa £130k has already been spent on the emergency response – station closure and temporary welfare for drivers, design of the scaffold structure, and subsequent hire.
The estimated final cost for the full works will be known once contractors have completed the design and provided a price and programme.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
