News

Crossrail, the new transport network that will link Heathrow airport to a number of other London destinations, has been given the green light by the government.

Prime minister Gordon Brown confirmed £16 billion of funding to secure construction of the system and said that the project will be of 'enormous importance' to London and the UK.

Connections will be made linking Heathrow and Maidenhead in west London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

New stations will also be built at key locations including Bond Street, Farringdon and Canary Wharf.

Once construction is complete it will be possible to reach Canary Wharf in east London from Heathrow in 43 minutes.

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly said: 'Today's announcement paves the way for a rail link that will give a lasting transport legacy to London for centuries to come.'

Crossrail, which is not expected to be complete until 2017, is set to carry 200m passengers a year.

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