A U.S.-led joint venture that includes AECOM Technology Corp., Los Angeles, and CH2M Hill Cos., Denver, won an estimated $140-million program management contract for London’s vast new Crossrail project. The JV beat two other short-listed teams headed by Bechtel Ltd. and Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd. The project cost has been estimated at $22 billion. The winning team, called Transcend, will “work alongside [us] as part of an integrated client team to manage the overall program,” says Steve Rowsell, head of procurement for project owner Cross London Rail Links Ltd. The Transcend team also includes U.K.-based Nichols Group Ltd. Primary project construction is due to start next year and end in 2017. The project will upgrade railroads on either side of London and link them with 21 kilometers of twin tunnels through the city’s center.