Boss had been optimistic the 拢31bn project would get green light before the end of the year

View of inside of Crossrail tunnel

Source: Alamy

London mayor Sadiq Khan will meet with the secretary of state next month as talks over backing for funding proposals of Crossrail 2 continue. 

Last month, Crossrail 2 managing director Michele Dix said she was 鈥渙ptimistic鈥 the 拢31bn project would get the go-ahead from the government before the year is out.

In July, transport secretary Chris Grayling said he wanted London to fund half of Crossrail 2鈥檚 construction cost and along with the city鈥檚 mayor Sadiq Khan, agreed to re-examine ways to improve its affodability ahead of the autumn budget.

During last week鈥檚 Budget, chancellor Philip Hammond stopped short of giving a firm committment to funding, but said: 鈥淲e continue to work with TfL on the funding and financing of Crossrail 2.鈥

Speaking at 好色先生TV Live today, Dix said: 鈥漈he ask at the time was if we could pay for 50% of the scheme and we have demonstrated how we can do that.

鈥滻n the summer, the secretary of state asked if we could pay for 50% upfront, and we have agreed to that. We are waiting to see how that develops further.鈥