Crossrail 2, which is promoted by Transport for London and Network Rail, has issued an update statement in light of the current finances of TfL.
The funding agreement between the government and TfL from 31 October 2020 contains a commitment by TfL regarding Crossrail 2 that TfL “prioritises safeguarding activity and brings an orderly end to consultancy work as soon as possible. DfT will support such safeguarding activity for this project as required.”
TfL and Network Rail will “work to help the Secretary of State refresh the safeguarding directions” so that the latest proposed route can be safeguarded from future developments. They are also in talks with the DfT on the probable timetable for this work. Furthermore, the Crossrail 2 team will continue to work with stakeholders whose developments are impacted by the safeguarding. This will allow the project route to be protected until work on the line can move forward.
Because of Transport for London’s current finances and the lack of viable funding for Crossrail 2, there is no date yet on when work on seeking consent can restart. However, the project will be needed to support London’s growth and Crossrail 2 says they are ready to restart when the time is right, having put the project “in good order”.
The 1.8 billion GBP coronavirus financial recovery plan agreed between the government and TfL also includes a requirement for the option of driverless Crossrail 2 trains to be investigated further.
Once built, the north-south line will call at Euston, which is HS2’s London terminus, and connect to Eurostar (at the proposed Euston St Pancras station), Thameslink, Underground, Overground, Tramlink and National Rail services.
