City backs £3bn CrossRail plan

THE CITY today demanded the go-ahead for the £3bn London CrossRail project as it unveiled a report backing its version of the rail link.

The viability study, by engineering consultant Halcrow, backs the Corporation of London's plans for a link from Heathrow to Stratford.

It rules out an alternative route through Canary Wharf to the Thames Gateway area - backed by London Mayor Ken Livingstone and the Canary Wharf Group - as too expensive and lengthy.

Halcrow proposes an amended version of the Corporation's plan with a 'gateway' out of Liverpool Street to allow future links to Canary Wharf.

With funding for the delayed project unclear, the Corporation of London seized on the findings of a report it commissioned as evidence that the two rival options are putting the project at risk. It is concerned that if the Government senses London is divided over the scheme, it will give ministers the excuse to withdraw support from what was an election manifesto pledge.

Halcrow's report says the City's 'Classic CrossRail' option has the advantages of a 'relatively low construction over-run risk' and could be completed within 10 1/2 years.

Most people in the business community, however, want a scheme that also serves Canary Wharf, business group London First said today. Irving Yass, London First's transport expert, said: 'We urgently need a CrossRail that serves the City and Docklands.'

The Mayor's Transport for London authority today denied that a route out to Canary Wharf would have to cost £2bn more than the Corporation's model.

It said the core route to the Isle of Dogs proposed by the Mayor would 'substantially reduce the costs' of the Canary Wharf Group's plans.