The preparation of the site for construction, including the removal of existing facilities, the archaeological and environmental works and initial stripping of site, fencing, temporary works for access and boreholes. The construction of site facilities and logistics centres. Works Archaeology and environmental works. Service diversions. Levelling of site. Site access and roads. Boreholes. Temporary buildings.

Stage Two: Groundworks - Nov 02–Feb 05

The excavation and construction of the terminal, satellite and car park building basements, which include the Track Transit System (TTS) and rail station boxes. Bored tunnels: the airside road tunnel (ART), stormwater outfall tunnel (SWOT), rail tunnels. Formation of the M25 spur embankment and Spout Lane lagoon. Diversion of the twin rivers and Western Perimeter Road (WPR). Airfield pavements and services. Works excavation and backfill. Road embankments, bridges and other highway structures. River structures and road diversions. Piling, foundation and basement work for terminal buildings and multi-storey car park (MSCP5). Drainage, road and rail bored tunnels. Baggage, rail and service boxes. Airfield roads, pavements and services.

Stage Three: Major structures - Nov 03–Sept 06

The construction of the superstructure, roof, façade and internal structure of Concourse A and Concourse B, MSCP5 including ramps and the Energy Centre and substations. Construction of the new air traffic control tower.The installation of the primary plant rooms, building services and systems, and installation of lifts and escalators. Works Major building superstructures and envelopes. Primary services and systems.

Stage Four: Fit-out - Feb 05–Sept 07

Installation of baggage, specialist systems and secondary services fit-out. The installation of the finishes, fixtures and fittings, the fitting out of public areas, retail, commercial areas and offices, and the commissioning of systems. The fitting out of rail tunnels and TTS. Landscaping to Colne Valley and landside areas. Landside roads and infrastructure. Completion of aircraft stands including apron services and boarding bridges. Surface Movement Radar, Airfield Ground Lighting, etc. Works Finishes. Fit-out. Specialist systems and equipment. Commissioning of systems. Rail installations. Landscaping. Apron services and navigation aids.

Stage Five: Implementation of Operational Readiness - Oct 07–March 08

The handover and transition of T5 from a construction project to an operationally effective facility by the time of opening – March 2008. Works training, access and implementation programmes. Systems final testing, handover procedures and programmes. Operational and security protocols and procedures. Licences and consents for operation. Ongoing retail fit-out and provision of loose equipment.

Archaeology…

By the time T5 opened in 2008, archaeologists had investigated over 100 hectares, making this the UK's largest ever single site archaeological excavation. Archaeological excavations have been taking place in and around Heathrow airport for over 50 years with evidence of over 9,000 years of history already established, but the construction of T5 provided a unique opportunity to learn even more about the history of the area.

To date over 80,000 artefacts have been found, including:

18,000 pieces of pottery
40,000 pieces of worked flint
The only wooden bowl that dates back to the Middle Bronze Age (1500BC to 1100BC)
One of only two wooden buckets dating back from the Middle Bronze Age
A hand axe dating back to 3000BC
Two beautiful pottery cups dating back to the Iron Age

This hugely successful dig has yielded unprecedented insights into the way mankind has used the land around Heathrow over the last 8,000 years with evidence of human activity going back to hunter-gatherers in the Stone Age. The excavation revealed that the area was inhabited from the middle of the Mesolithic Age (c.6000BC). The earliest farmers appear to be from the Neolithic period (New Stone Age, 4000BC to 2400BC).