Can we afford to wait this long for Crossrail 2?

1974

London Rail Study proposes Crossrail and Chelsea-Hackney line (to become Crossrail 2) to address overcrowding and support future growth 

1989

Central London rail propose s east-west Crossrail and Chelsea-Hackney line in response to London’s record rail demand 

1990

Gov gives British Rail and London Transport go-ahead to develop Crossrail 

1991

Crossrail Bill submitted to Parliament, Crossrail2 route safeguarded 

1994

Crossrail Bill rejected. Gov cites budget constraints 

2000

Strategic Rail Authority recommends Crossrail and Chelsea-Hackney (Crossrail2) schemes be taken forward 

2002

Cross London Rail Links set up as 50/50 joint venture company between TfL and DfT, to promote and develop new SE rail lines

2003

Cross London Rail Links submits business case to DfT. Government appoints Adrian Montague to review feasibility of scheme. 

2004

Cross London Rail Links consults on Crossrail route

2004

Government commits to introducing legislation to support Crossrail, and working with stakeholders to develop a funding and financing package 

2005

Crossrail Bill presented to Parliament 

2007

PM Gordon Brown gives Crossrail the go-ahead, with funding confirmed in comprehensive spending review 

2008

Crossrail Act confirms route from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the West to Abbeywood and Shenfield in the East

2008

DfT safeguards route for Chelsea-Hackney line (Crossrail 2)

2009

Crossrail construction begins at Canary Wharf

2011

TfL and Network Rail undertake 2‑year review into CR2 route options. Identifies new preferred regional route into Surrey and Hertfordshire 

2013

London First Taskforce, backed by Lord Adonis supports Crossrail 2 regional route.

2013

TfL consultation receives 96% support for Crossrail 2, with majority backing regional route. 

2014

London First responds to government challenge for wider funding sources by publishing ​‘Funding Crossrail 2’ report 

2015

TfL consults on detailed Crossrail 2 route, including stations, construction sites and ventilation shafts

2016

Crossrail renamed The Elizabeth Line

2016

National Infrastructure Commission recommends CR2 should be taken forward as a priority. Government welcomes recommendations and funds further development work.

2018

Independent Affordability Review into Crossrail 2 set up by Transport Secretary and Mayor. London First joins the review’s panel of advisers