Crossrail could need even more money

Rail

The latest status of the east-west rail project was reported to Transport for London’s programmes and investment committee this month by Andy Lord, managing director London Underground and TfL engineering, and Howard Smith, chief operating officer – Elizabeth Line.

In December 2018 the Government agreed two additional funding packages for Crossrail,  increasing its estimated cost from £14.8bn to £17.6bn. Crossrail Ltd last year reported that an extra £400m to £650m would be needed (LTT 22 Nov 19).

The DfT and TfL, as joint sponsors, commissioned consultant KPMG to provide an independent view of Crossrail Ltd’s forecasts. “As part of this work, KPMG considered more pessimistic scenarios that sit beyond CRL’s current cost forecast,” said Lord and Smith. 

“Discussions continue with the HM Treasury, the DfT and the Greater London Authority regarding how funding of these additional costs will be resolved.”

They said the Crossrail Limited (CRL) board had confirmed on 27 February that it remains on schedule to open the central section of the Elizabeth Line between Paddington and Abbey Wood in summer 2021.

Intensive operational testing is due to begin this autumn.

Said Lord and Smith: “The [Crossrail] board discussed the risks to the start of trial running with the joint sponsors along with possible mitigations should they be required.” 

Following opening of the central section, full Elizabeth Line services from Reading and Heathrow Airport in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east are planned to commence by mid-2022.