Crossrail approved by UK Parliament

UK Members of Parliament (MPs) have approved the UK£ 16 billion (€ 20 billion) Crossrail project, the largest addition to the transport network in London and South East UK for more than 50 years.

The Crossrail Bill received Royal Ascent this week after a three-year passage through Parliament.

The rail line will run from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west through tunnels under central London - with new stations at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Whitechapel, Isle of Dogs (Canary Wharf) - then out to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

In a statement from Crossrail, transport secretary Ruth Kelly said, "This landmark project is of major significance to both London and the whole country. It will generate jobs and economic growth, help re-vitalise some of our most deprived areas and deliver major improvements for the travelling public.

"Crossrail has been talked about for decades, so I am delighted that now we have secured both the funding package and parliamentary approval work can finally begin to deliver this fantastic project," she added.

London Mayor, Boris Johnson, said in the statement, "Crossrail will shorten journey times for Londoners and visitors to our city, whether they are heading for the bright lights of the West End or the citadels of commerce at Canary Wharf. But most importantly is can act as a catalyst for regeneration across the whole of our city, particularly in the east of the capital."

Crossrail is on track for passenger use in 2017 and will deliver far more capacity and faster journeys as well as a UK£ 20 billion (€ 25 billion) boost to the wider UK economy, Crossrail said in the statement.