Crossrail moves closer

The Elizabeth Line could be open in time for Christmas The Times reports.

The main beneficiary is Canary Wharf, the line providing an 11min journey to Tottenham Court Road station and direct services to Heathrow.

London’s most expensive engineering project, conceived when Prime Minister Boris Johnson was Mayor, is £4bn over budget and at least three years late.  

Passengers will not be able to view London City Airport, it rises from under the runway, fencing erected to stop viewing.  Whilst a Silvertown for London City Station would be welcomed by the airport management current Mayor Sadiq Khan has ignored pleas for a short enquiry into the practicalities of a station.

A rail expert says that it is still not too late to add a station for the airport.  It could be built in six months (at a cost of £35m).  The timetable software is in place.  Even if not quite ready in time, trains can be turned around at Canary Wharf.

Andy Byford, London’s transport commissioner, said: “What could symbolise London’s phoenix-like rise from Covid more than the opening of the Elizabeth Line? Frankfurt can’t say that, Paris can’t say that, New York can’t say that.”

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

Catherine Chetwynd, London, UK

They quote low to get the job – especially government projects, which are run by the worst of procurement, go for cheapest, not best value – and part-way through the project realise it’s not possible to do it at that price. But no one learns from that, neither government nor suppliers

Malcolm Ginsberg, Edgware

My view is that the best bid that passes scrutiny gets the job and any increase due to unforseen circumstances goes to a third party for inspection.

Catherine Chewynd, London

I don't understand why engineers don't work out what a project will cost and how long it will take, and then add 50% to both. It's called expectation management

Toby Clark, London

The lack of a Crossrail railway station is a disgrace. The DLR is OK, but only takes you to Bank.