Crossrail further delay

Not surprisingly Covid-19 has been blamed for yet another delay with the Crossrail – Elizabeth line development.

In a statement last Friday (21 August) the Board’s latest assessment, based on the best available programme information, is that the central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood will be ready to open in the first half of 2022.  It goes on to say that “As work to complete the railway progresses, there may be opportunity to review and bring forward the opening of the central section, subject to progress during the intensive operational testing phase.”

The latest official cost estimate could be up to an astonishing £20bn.  No mention of the £30m Silvertown – London City Airport scheme which could still be resurrected and be a great boost to the airport.

The London Assembly Transport Committee chair Alison Moore summed up a project that is fast becoming a fiasco and embarrassment.

“Londoners will accept that Covid-19 has played a significant role in this delay, and that the complexity of this project and the need to complete the work safely have meant it’s had to be pushed back yet again. Understandably, that won’t take away any disappointment or any concern that costs are escalating.

“Lessons must be learnt from the way Crossrail officials originally planned for this major infrastructure project. Crossrail will be a fantastic asset to London once it is finally finished.”

www.crossrail.co.uk

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Jason Whitaker , UK/Shepperton

A heavy rail station at: Silvertown for London City airport, would be ideal because: 1. It would allow direct access to: a-London Heathrow airport for Long Haul flights, b-North Kent for more passengers for London City Airport & c. Other parts of London like the West end for tourists. 2. As the Elizabeth line has been delayed again until 2022, it would be an ideal time to build the railway station before this rail line opens.

John Jones,

I’ve worked out how to get to London City Airport from Paddington. Take the Elizabeth Line (eventually) to Woolwich Arsenal and reverse back on the DLR via only a single stop. Must be quicker than via Bank. And I can wave when passing through Silvertown.