§ Sir Norman FowlerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has made of the final cost of the Jubilee Line extension; and if he will make a statement; [29484]
(2) if he will make a statement on the problems causing delay in the construction of the Jubilee Line extension; [29486]
(3) when he expects that the Jubilee Line extension will be in operation; and if he will make a statement. [29485]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonLondon Underground announced on Monday 9 February that it now plans to open a full through Jubilee Line service from Stanmore to Stratford in the spring of 1999.
The Jubilee Line Extension is one of the largest construction projects in Europe. With a project of this size and complexity, problems are bound to arise. Serious delays arose when tunnelling on two contracts had to be stopped for some months as a precautionary measure following the 'New Austrian Tunnelling Method' collapse on the Heathrow Express project. Additional delays arose from construction problems at some stations, in particular 423W the complex Westminster station where construction has taken place around the existing District and Circle Lines and very close to the foundations of Big Ben. Tunnelling and other civil engineering works are now complete, fitting-out is under way and the new trains are being introduced to passenger service on the existing Jubilee Line. Development of the high technology signalling system for the line is however taking longer than anticipated, leading to the need to prepare and install more conventional signalling for use until the new system is ready.
London Transport currently estimate the total cost of completing the Extension to be £2.76 billion.