HS2

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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Comments

Andrew Gwilt   30/06/2017 at 22:09

Well at first. Crossrail's new trains (Class 345's) were been delayed because of faults found such as doors not working properly and technical issues. But the Crossrail project will still continue despite more problems. At least it's at the 85% completion mark which will take another year to get to the 100% completion stage and the whole network to fully open in 2019 with a brand new Elizabeth Line to full operation and 66 Class 345's to be completed and delivered. Next year will see some of the Class 345's to take over the Heathrow Connect service between Paddington and Heathrow Airport and between Whitechapel and Abbey Wood before the central section is completed and is fully operational.

Andrew JG   01/07/2017 at 22:00

But why December 2019. Why can't the Elizabeth Line open in December 2018 or in March/April 2019. Bombardier are still continuing to manufacturing the Class 345's with some already been delivered and are operating on Liverpool Street-Shenfield TfL Rail service before being handed over to Elizabeth Line in 2018 with Elizabeth Line taking over Heathrow Connect Paddington-Heathrow Central & Terminal 4 service and could also operate to Terminal 5 if necessary. And to operate to & from Reading and Abbey Wood once the completion of the Crossrail project is at its 100% completion and is completed.

Mark Hare   03/07/2017 at 11:20

@Andrew JGwilt - Why December 2019? Because that's when the whole line is due for completion, when it's completely completed with completion, and is completed.

David   03/07/2017 at 17:11

Andrew the Class 345s didn't suffer any serious technical issues. It's the same as any new train design being put into service. Look at how long it took to get the Class 700s up and running.

Andrew Gwilt   03/07/2017 at 23:33

Here's me speculating again. Ffs

Andrew Jgwilt (The Real Andrew Gwilt)   03/07/2017 at 23:35

Ok it's me with 2 different names. Wow talk about keyboard morons trying to find out who I really am. F sake.

Andrew Gwilt   04/07/2017 at 10:02

@David and Mark Hare. I can say what I want to say. Don't need your garbage lame input. And plus I don't care if I'm wrong but for me I could also be right. And that's why I comment.

Ryan   05/07/2017 at 17:44

So who are you trying to prove something to? Some of us actually work in the industry. What do you do?

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