Problems sees testing of crucial software pushed back, meaning 拢15bn project now won't open until next autumn at the earliest
The opening of the 拢15bn Crossrail scheme has been delayed by at least nine months.
The central section of the route, which will from Paddington to Abbey Wood and will be known as the Elizabeth line, had been due to open this December but Crossrail has confirmed that date has been pushed back to autumn 2019 鈥 meaning it faces a delay of up to 11 months.
The company behind the project said the schedule has been revised "to complete the final infrastructure and extensive testing required".
It said the original programme for testing had been hit by more time being needed by contractors to complete fit-out work in the central tunnels and the development of railway systems software. Testing has started but further time is required to complete the full range of tests, Crossrail added.
Crossrail chief executive Simon Wright said: 鈥淲e are working around the clock with our supply chain and Transport for London to complete and commission the Elizabeth line.鈥
In a tweet, former transport secretary Andrew Adonis called the news a "catastrophe" and accused the government and current transport Chris Grayling of trying to bury bad news.
Govt just announced, on day 39 of Parliament on holiday, that Crossrail is being delayed by a year and they have big problems with signalling & cost over-runs
鈥 Andrew Adonis (@Andrew_Adonis)
This is huge story & smuggling it out on last Friday of August a classic ruse. More Grayling catastrophe
In its , the IPA gave Crossrail an amber delivery confidence assessment 鈥 the first time the project has received a rating below a green category in the report鈥檚 six year existence.
According to the IPA, an amber rating means 鈥渟uccessful delivery appears feasible but significant issues already exist, requiring management attention. These appear resolvable at this stage and, if addressed promptly, should not present a cost/schedule overrun鈥.
Information from the Department of Transport (DfT), which was used to support the IPA鈥檚 report, said: 鈥淭he project is now over 90% complete and is entering its final stages. Cost and schedule pressures are increasing.
鈥淭he department, as well as Transport for London (with the assurance of the Project Representatives) have increased governance to closely monitor progress.鈥
At the time, the DfT said Crossrail reported that the overall completion date would be maintained.
When the central section of the Elizabeth line opens in autumn 2019, the railway will initially operate as three separate services: Paddington (Elizabeth line station) to Abbey Wood via central London, Paddington (mainline station) to Heathrow (Terminals 2, 3 and 4) and Liverpool Street (mainline station) to Shenfield.
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