Getting approval

Following years of development and consultation, the Crossrail Act was passed in 2008. Gaining the Act of Parliament is the most significant milestone to date - giving permission for the railway to be built, operated and maintained.

History of Crossrail » As far back as the late nineteenth century, schemes were being explored to enable the railways to penetrate right into and through central London. Consultation and information » Consultation exercises have been carried out at key development stages of the Crossrail project and information has been made available through a range of communication media before and during the Parliamentary phase. Crossrail Bill 2005 » The Crossrail Bill required to construct and operate the railway was introduced in February 2005 and like all legislation was fully considered by the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Bill contained a description of the works to be done and where they are to be carried out, and identified the land needed temporarily or permanently.