24.05.16
NIC chair Lord Adonis to take over Crossrail 2
The interim chair of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), Lord Andrew Adonis, is expected to be made chair of Crossrail 2 after being jointly nominated by London mayor Sadiq Khan, chancellor George Osborne and transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin following a meeting.
His appointment is now subject to approval by the London Assembly and the Transport for London Board.
HS2 board member Lord Adonis, who was appointed NIC leader in October when the commission was created, has since published a report into the future of Crossrail 2, which stressed that the project must be taken forward “as a priority” and be delivered by 2033.
The Labour rail connoisseur has always been vocal about transport projects and has consistently vouched for private funding to ensure all planned infrastructure builds can be delivered on time and on budget.
“Without Crossrail 2 London will grind to a halt. There are no greater challenges facing London than overcrowding on the transport network and the city’s acute housing crisis. Crossrail 2 will help tackle both,” he said today.
“I am delighted to be nominated to be its chair, whilst continuing the vital work of the National Infrastructure Commission, and I look forward to making it happen.”
Lord Adonis was responsible for originally recommending an independent infrastructure commission in 2013 as a result of his work in the Armitt Commission, and would also bring to this role his experience as former transport secretary.
McLoughlin, who said the south-west to north-east Crossrail 2 line will “transform how people travel in and around” London, emphasised today that the project “needs strong and experienced leadership”.
“We now look forward to working in partnership with Transport for London and Lord Adonis to fully develop the business case for Crossrail 2,” he added.