30.06.17
Crossrail remains on budget, but cost pressures increasing
The cost of constructing Crossrail is forecast to stay within its £14.8bn budget, but cost pressures are still increasing across the project, a statement released by the DfT has revealed.
In its annual update of Crossrail, the department remained positive about the costings for the project. But it added that Crossrail Ltd was looking at “identifying and implementing a number of cost efficiency initiatives” up to completion in 2019, as “cost pressures are increasing across the project”.
“Crossrail’s joint sponsors (Department for Transport and Transport for London) will continue to meet regularly with Crossrail Ltd to ensure that the project is being effectively managed and will be delivered within funding and on schedule,” the statement read.
The rail minister’s annual report also provided a number of other important updates on the progress of Crossrail. It confirmed that a week after the first Elizabeth Line train entered service, manufacturing of the new trains was progressing and would still be rolled out in the next few months, with 11 in service by autumn.
Paul Maynard added: “Training of the new operations workforce is well underway. Drivers are familiarising themselves with the new trains and route.
“There are now circa 700 apprentices who have gained experience across the project. Crossrail’s purpose-built training facility, the Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy has now become part of Transport for London and will continue to offer apprenticeships and training to support the next generation of skills for rail and tunnelling projects.”
Overall, it was stated that the Crossrail programme was fast approaching 85% completion, moving forward by 10% from September last year.
“As in the central tunnel section all the platforms had been completed, and track installation stood at 90% completion,” the statement read. “Architectural finishes are being applied and escalator and lift installation has commenced across the central stations.
“Testing of the new central section infrastructure and systems will commence by the end of 2017, with the new central section stations being completed during 2018.”
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