Massive cost increases and lengthy delays to the Crossrail project were caused by the chosen contractual model, a compressed schedule and the absence of a realistic plan for completion, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).
The NAO’s Completing Crossrail report, published on May 3, found that Crossrail Ltd was not in possession of a sufficiently detailed delivery plan until late 2018, by which time it was already clear the project would be severely delayed and well over budget.
Harlington, but are expected to serve Reading from December 2019. Here, No. 345007 passes Royal
Oak on the approach to Paddington on May 7. Photo: Chris Milner.
Design changes and delays, requiring contractors to be on sites longer than expected, added around £2.5billion to costs between 2013 and 2018.
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