This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-45367990

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Crossrail delay: New London line will open in autumn 2019 Crossrail delay: New London line will open in autumn 2019
(35 minutes later)
London’s £15bn Crossrail project is to open nine months after its scheduled launch to allow more time for testing.London’s £15bn Crossrail project is to open nine months after its scheduled launch to allow more time for testing.
Europe's biggest infrastructure project will help ease London's chronic congestion by connecting major landmarks such as Heathrow Airport and the Canary Wharf business district.Europe's biggest infrastructure project will help ease London's chronic congestion by connecting major landmarks such as Heathrow Airport and the Canary Wharf business district.
The route, to be known as the Elizabeth Line, had been due to open in December, but will now be launched in autumn 2019 "to ensure a safe and reliable railway", transport officials said. The route, to be known as the Elizabeth line, had been due to open in December, but will now be launched in autumn 2019 "to ensure a safe and reliable railway", transport officials said.
It is running almost £600m over budget.It is running almost £600m over budget.
When fully operational, trains will run from Reading and Heathrow in the west through 13 miles of new tunnels to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.When fully operational, trains will run from Reading and Heathrow in the west through 13 miles of new tunnels to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.
It will operate as three separate services - as previously planned.It will operate as three separate services - as previously planned.
Crossrail says the new line will connect Paddington to Canary Wharf in 17 minutes.Crossrail says the new line will connect Paddington to Canary Wharf in 17 minutes.
An estimated 200m passengers will use the new undergound line annually, increasing central London rail capacity by 10% - the largest increase since World War Two.An estimated 200m passengers will use the new undergound line annually, increasing central London rail capacity by 10% - the largest increase since World War Two.
Crossrail Limited described the 10-year project as "hugely complex".Crossrail Limited described the 10-year project as "hugely complex".
It said "further time" was required for testing, and that contractors needed to complete work in the central tunnels and to develop "railways systems software".It said "further time" was required for testing, and that contractors needed to complete work in the central tunnels and to develop "railways systems software".
Transport for London (TfL) said more time was needed "to ensure a safe and reliable railway for customers from day one of passenger service".Transport for London (TfL) said more time was needed "to ensure a safe and reliable railway for customers from day one of passenger service".
Lord Adonis, the former Transport Secretary, accused Crossrail of "trying to smuggle out a really serious failure on the biggest infrastructure project affecting the country" when parliament isn't sitting.Lord Adonis, the former Transport Secretary, accused Crossrail of "trying to smuggle out a really serious failure on the biggest infrastructure project affecting the country" when parliament isn't sitting.
He said: "There's no excuse for what has happened on this project, and people need to be held to account."He said: "There's no excuse for what has happened on this project, and people need to be held to account."
AnalysisAnalysis
By Tom Edwards, BBC London transport correspondentBy Tom Edwards, BBC London transport correspondent
I have lost count of the times that Crossrail executives said to me the project would be delivered "on time and on budget".I have lost count of the times that Crossrail executives said to me the project would be delivered "on time and on budget".
Today that disappeared in a puff of smoke, and there is no doubt this is a blow for Crossrail.Today that disappeared in a puff of smoke, and there is no doubt this is a blow for Crossrail.
I'm told it wasn't one specific problem. There were issues with three different signalling systems and also delays to the station fit outs.I'm told it wasn't one specific problem. There were issues with three different signalling systems and also delays to the station fit outs.
They simply ran out of time. This will also hit TfL's finances who were relying on Crossrail to increase their fare take They simply ran out of time. This will also hit TfL's finances who were relying on Crossrail to increase their fare take.
This flagship project - the biggest construction project in Europe - just lost some of its lustre.This flagship project - the biggest construction project in Europe - just lost some of its lustre.
The Federation of Small Business (FSB) said it was "extremely disappointed with the news".The Federation of Small Business (FSB) said it was "extremely disappointed with the news".
London Policy Chair of the FSB, Sue Terpilowski, said: "Small businesses, particularly in central London, have been preparing for a December roll out of the new infrastructure and to be told on a Friday in August that the date has now changed is simply not good enough. London Policy Chair of the FSB, Sue Terpilowski, said: "Small businesses, particularly in central London, have been preparing for a December roll out of the new infrastructure and to be told on a Friday in August that the date has now changed is simply not good enough."
The delay is "obviously disappointing," a spokesman for Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said. A spokesman for Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the delay is "obviously disappointing.
"It is essential that a safe and reliable railway operates from day one, and this has to be the top priority.""It is essential that a safe and reliable railway operates from day one, and this has to be the top priority."
Simon Wright, Crossrail chief executive, said: "The Elizabeth line is one of the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK and is now in its final stages.Simon Wright, Crossrail chief executive, said: "The Elizabeth line is one of the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK and is now in its final stages.
"We have made huge progress with the delivery of this incredible project but we need further time to complete the testing of the new railway."We have made huge progress with the delivery of this incredible project but we need further time to complete the testing of the new railway.
"We are working around the clock with our supply chain and Transport for London to complete and commission the Elizabeth line.""We are working around the clock with our supply chain and Transport for London to complete and commission the Elizabeth line."
Elizabeth line trains are already operating between Shenfield and Liverpool Street, and between Paddington and Hayes & Harlington.Elizabeth line trains are already operating between Shenfield and Liverpool Street, and between Paddington and Hayes & Harlington.