Crossrail concerns continue

In response to today’s report from the National Audit Office (NAO) into Crossrail’s 2019 revised schedule and budget, the Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM said:

“It’s deeply disappointing that the cost estimate for Crossrail exceeds the funding package. The current estimate is between £30 million and £218 million above the current available funding to complete the programme, with a middle estimate of £120 million over.

The full line is expected to open in May 2023, with the central section in the first half of 2022, but it seems current funding will be exhausted sometime between July and September 2022. We need assurances about what is being done now to stop Crossrail running out of money.

The NAO notes that there are still significant issues that could arise as the railway is brought into service. Crossrail and TfL need to ensure they have a clear plan for handing the Elizabeth line over, in preparation for the start of passenger services.