Crossrail is a 118-kilometre (73-mile) railway line under construction in London and its environs. It is expected to begin operation from Paddington to Abbey Wood in 2018 and full operation in 2019 with a new east-west route across Greater London. Work began in 2009 on the central section of the line—a new tunnel through central London—and connections to existing lines that will become part of Crossrail. It is one of Europe's largest railway and infrastructure construction projects.

Crossrail's aim is to provide a high-frequency commuter/suburban passenger service that will link parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, via central London, to Essex and South East London. The new line will relieve the pressure on several London Underground lines such as the Central and District lines which are the current main east-west passenger routes, and the Heathrow branch of the Piccadilly line. The need for extra capacity along this corridor is such that the former Transport for London boss, Sir Peter Hendy, has predicted that Crossrail lines will be "immediately full" as soon as they open.

Crossrail is a railway line across London, currently under construction.

Crossrail may also refer to:

TfL Rail is the initial brand for London Crossrail services which commenced in May 2015. The service will be re-branded as Crossrail in May 2017 when the new Class 345 trains are introduced. Services are provided by the train operating company MTR Crossrail (owned by MTR Corporation) under a contract by Transport for London, and covers the Liverpool Street to Shenfield route during the initial stage. The services will expand in stages to become the full Crossrail network by 2019. Prior to TfL takeover, trains on the Shenfield Line were run by Abellio Greater Anglia.

History

On 25 June 2013, Transport for London announced Arriva, MTR Corporation, Keolis/Go-Ahead Group and National Express had been shortlisted to bid for the concession. On 18 July 2014, Transport for London awarded the concession to MTR Corporation.

Crossrail route

The Crossrail route will be formed of the suburban parts of the Great Western and Great Eastern (East Anglian) Main Lines, connected by a new underground central section through London's city centre, similar to the North-South Thameslink route. There will also be a branch to Abbey Wood via Canary Wharf. Construction of the route is planned to be completed in 2019.