Crossrail's sustainability report details successes

The latest sustainability report outlining Crossrail’s economic, environmental and social successes has been released.

The fourth annual report details Crossrail’s performance with successes including over 400 apprenticeships as well as the creation of 4115 jobs for local people across the London boroughs.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “Crossrail is a blueprint for how major infrastructure projects should be run. 

“This work is not just about bringing huge transport benefits to Londoners, it’s about creating economic benefits for the whole country. 

“Europe's largest infrastructure project has already created thousands of jobs and seen millions of pounds spent with country-wide suppliers. 

“It is proving yet again that investment in the capital reaps rewards for the rest of the UK.”

The report also shows that 95 per cent of the contracts were awarded to UK companies with 61 per cent of suppliers being based outside of London. 

A number of targets were surpassed including 98 per cent of excavated material being removed and reused from sites, with the majority being transported via rail and boat to minimise lorry journeys around London. 

Rail minister Claire Perry said: “This is further proof that Crossrail is already creating a lasting economic, environmental and social legacy.  

“Investing in rail projects like this as part of our long-term economic plan is not only making journeys better, it is also generating new job opportunities, boosting business across the UK and supporting young people through apprenticeships.”

The last tunnel boring machine was recently dismantled in central London following completion of the Crossrail tunnelling. 

Upon completion, Crossrail will serve 40 stations, connecting Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east to Reading and Heathrow in the west via central London adding a 10 per cent capacity to London’s rail network.