Canary Wharf Crossrail Station 'On Track'

The first station of the Crossrail project at Canary Wharf is nearing completion, with a visit this week by the Transport Secretary Philip Hammond providing a further fillip.

The Transport Secretary saw for himself visible evidence of the progress made in construction work over the last year and said he was impressed at the approach to the work so far, applying innovative technology and construction techniques to drive down costs and reduce environmental impact.

Mr Hammond said: "I came to visit the Crossrail project to signal my intention to press ahead with the major improvements in our transport system that business and passengers need.

"The work being carried out at Canary Wharf is an excellent example of how this can be done in an innovative and efficient way, so that we get value for taxpayers' money.

"We live in difficult economic times, but that does not mean that we should scrap big projects which would give the economy a vital boost in the future," he said.

"But it does mean that we must ensure that every pound we invest is well spent. I am determined that this scheme remains affordable - Londoners, business and the taxpayer would expect nothing less."

(CD/GK)