Transport Secretary 'determined to keep Crossrail costs low'

Date: 21/6/2010

It is imperative that every pound invested in the new Crossrail project is well spent, Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond has stated.

The politician recently visited what will become the first station of the new scheme at Canary Wharf, noting how much progress has been made in the construction of the travel hub.

He paid particular attention to the implementation of specialised building techniques and innovative technology in the initiative, stating that the methods are helping the government ensure it is getting "value for taxpayers' money".

"We live in difficult economic times, but that does not mean that we should scrap big projects which would give the economy a vital boost in the future," Mr Hammond explained.

However, he went on to say this means more emphasis should be put on making sure funding is well spent.

Crossrail will be a high-frequency railway for London and the south-east of England and is expected to carry more than 1,500 passengers in each train during peak periods.

Posted by Mary Treen