A MAJOR new rail project has been given a boost with a £230m funding package.
Air company BAA announced the Crossrail funding following talks with Transport Minister Andrew Adonis.
Crossrail will provide direct services from Heathrow airport through central London, the City and Canary Wharf and out to Shenfield and Abbey Wood.
Following a News Shopper campaign, the south east spur of the development will also include a station at Woolwich.
The Government estimates that Crossrail’s construction and implementation will provide a boost of at least £20bn to the UK economy and generate an extra 30,000 jobs.
Mr Adonis said: "Crossrail is the largest addition to the transport network in 50 years, and today's announcement that BAA have confirmed a £230 million funding package for the project represents a major step towards its delivery.”
Work is due to begin in 2010 with the line becoming operational in 2017.
Crossrail is funded by a partnership including the Department for Transport and London's business community.
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