Crossrail

Questions to the Mayor of London – answered at on 23 September 2020.

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Photo of Sadiq Khan Sadiq Khan Mayor of London

It was very disappointing to receive confirmation from Crossrail that their plan for opening the Elizabeth Line now has a date of the first half of 2022. I’ve asked TfL’s new Commissioner, Andy Byford, to look in detail at Crossrail’s plans. Everyone remains focussed on opening the Elizabeth line as soon as possible, safely and reliably for the benefit of London. The delivery of the central section of the Elizabeth line is in its complex final stages and we’re getting closer to this being an operational railway integrated in TfL. But the project is being completed at a time of great uncertainty. COVID-19 has clearly had an impact, making the existing pressures even more acute.

As work to complete the railway progresses, the project team will be looking for opportunities to review and bring forward the opening of the central section. This of course is subject to progress during the intensive operational testing phase. Regular updates will continue to be provided to the London Assembly detailing the progress made on completing the delivery of the railway.