Crossrail is an exciting and visionary new railway proposal for London and the South-East. It will deliver a world-class, affordable railway, with a high frequency, convenient and accessible train service across the capital from 2017.

The route goes from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west right across the capital into Essex and Kent in the east. It travels underground through the city centre between Paddington and east London.

Crossrail will make travelling in the area easier and quicker and reduce crowding on London's transport network. It will operate with main line size trains, carrying more than 1500 passengers in each train.

It will deliver substantial economic benefits in London and the South-East and across the UK. The estimated benefit of Crossrail to the UK economy is at least £36 billion (TfL figures, May 2006).

Royal Assent was given to the Crossrail Bill in July 2008 and the new Crossrail Act 2008 gives authority for the railway to be built.

Preliminary works are scheduled to commence in early 2009 with main construction starting in 2010.

7 January 2009