17.01.14
Halfway point for Crossrail
The construction of Crossrail has now reached its halfway point.
Prime minister David Cameron, London Mayor Boris Johnson and Crossrail minister Stephen Hammond visited the project to see its progress yesterday.
Over 29km of new tunnels have been built so far. Other milestones include more than 5,000 people completing training at TUCA and over 280 apprentices gaining work.
The UK’s largest archaeology programme is over halfway complete, and Crossrail is also delivering a digital version of the project using Business Information Modelling (BIM), as well as a community investment project and ‘the Culture Line’, showcasing artwork in Crossrail stations.
Cameron said: “Big infrastructure projects like Crossrail are vital for the economy of London and the rest of Britain. They are the foundation-stone on which business can grow, compete and support jobs – a massive 55,000 jobs in the construction phase of this project alone.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “There was a time when some said that building a huge tunnel deep below the streets of London was a mad plan that would do nothing for our economy. But as this awe-inspiring project hits its halfway point – we can see how wrong the naysayers were. Crossrail will revolutionise east-west transit in the capital, making London an even more attractive place to visit and invest. This project is not just good for London; it’s good for the whole of Britain, responsible for 55,000 jobs across the country and showing that the UK can deliver on major infrastructure projects.”
Terry Morgan CBE, Crossrail chairman said: “Everyone involved can be justifiably proud of this achievement. It demonstrates the growing capability of the UK to deliver major infrastructure projects.”
Andrew Wolstenholme OBE, Crossrail chief executive said: “Crossrail has now reached the halfway point and is being delivered on time and on budget. We are on track to deliver a world-class railway.”
Sir Peter Hendy CBE, London’s Transport commissioner said: “Crossrail is vital to the future success of London and the UK and it’s great to see it reach this important milestone. With London’s population set to reach around ten million by 2030, we must continue to invest in improvements to London’s transport network to create jobs and stimulate growth right across the UK, now and in the future.”
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