The government has released an update for the Crossrail project, confirming that Network Rail requires an extra £140m of funding as station and power upgrade work takes longer than planned
The 2020 update for the Crossrail project outlines the actions, challenges, achievements, funding and finances for the scheme.
The statement revealed that Network Rail’s programme requires an extra £140m of funding with the cost of the surface works package now standing at just under £3bn. The additional costs “are the result of some station and power upgrade work taking longer than planned”.
The main Crossrail budget of £18bn is also expected to rise as Covid-19 delays take effect.
Recovery plan
The statement said: “Works have now restarted as part of Crossrail’s recovery plan with sites operating within the framework of Public Health England’s safety guidelines, with CRL intensely focussed on achieving the next key programme milestone – commencement of the intensive testing of the railway, known as ‘trial running’.
“CRL are currently in the process of updating their cost and schedule forecasts in light of their recovery plan, including assessing the impact on their opening schedule and will make a further update on this shortly.”
It added: “The department will continue to work with its joint sponsor, TfL, to closely scrutinise the project, supporting its delivery as soon as is safely possible and to deliver the vital assurance and safety certification that is required before passenger services can commence.
“The department will also work with TfL to oversee the effective review and evolution of Crossrail’s future governance arrangements to make sure the right decisions are taken as the project moves towards completion, and that it successfully transitions to TfL operations as soon as possible.”
Total funding for the Crossrail project from July 2008 to May 2020 hit just over £14bn.
