Crossrail could open as late as 2021 under a new schedule for completing the delayed project.

Bosses said they had identified a six-month window for delivery of the central section of the line, between Paddington and Abbey Wood, with a midpoint at the end of 2020.

It added that it would be able to more certainty about when the Elizabeth line will open as works progressed.

The new plan has required identifying and re-sequencing over 100,000 interdependent tasks and Crossrail said it takes full account of exactly what is to be done and how long it will take.

All stations on the route will open except for Bond Street which is delayed because of design and delivery challenges.

The four major tasks that still need to be completed are:

• Build and test the software to integrate the train operating system with three different signalling systems
• Install and test vital station systems
• Complete installation of the equipment in the tunnels and test communications systems
• Trial run the trains over thousands of miles on the completed railway

Crossrail expects that the remaining fit-out and systems installation in the stations and tunnels will be completed this year. It also expects that Bombardier Transportation and Siemens will complete development of the train and signalling software this year allowing the train control system to be fully tested.

Mark Wild, chief executive of Crossrail, said: “I share the frustration of Londoners that the huge benefits of the Elizabeth line are not yet with us. But this plan allows Crossrail Ltd and its contractors to put the project back on track to deliver the Elizabeth line. Crossrail is an immensely complex project and there will be challenges ahead particularly with the testing of the train and signalling systems but the Elizabeth line is going to be incredible for London and really will be worth the wait. This new plan will get us there and allow this fantastic new railway to open around the end of next year.”

Tony Meggs, chairman, Crossrail, said: “Both the Crossrail Board and the Crossrail leadership team fully recognise the seriousness of the challenges we face. The Crossrail Board is pleased with the progress by the new Crossrail leadership team to get a grip on the project and pull together a robust and realistic plan to complete the Elizabeth line. An enhanced governance structure has been put in place to strengthen the Crossrail programme. The Crossrail board will be holding the leadership team to account as they work to complete the railway. We will be open and transparent about our progress and will be providing Londoners and London businesses with regular updates as we seek to rebuild trust with all our stakeholders.”

Source: Construction Manager