Elizabeth line opening delayed by almost nine months, says Crossrail

The new Elizabeth line railway through central London has been delayed, and now will not open until late 2019.

Transport for London said the project - known as ‘Crossrail’ - had been scheduled to open this December, but on Friday confirmed more time was needed to ensure a “safe and reliable” service for customers.

The line will connect Essex with Reading, with a branch line to Heathrow Airport, using combination of existing railway tracks out of Liverpool Street and Paddington, and a new underground railway through the inner part of the city.

“The Elizabeth line is one of the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK and is now in its final stages,” said Crossrail chief executive Simon Wright.

“We have made huge progress with the delivery of this incredible project but we need further time to complete the testing of the new railway.

“We are working around the clock with our supply chain and Transport for London to complete and commission the Elizabeth line.”