We weren't wrong. The enormity of Crossrail, specifically tunnelling under the centre of the world's fifth largest city and connecting these tunnels with existing stations and associated infrastructure, really is beyond our current capabilities. Well, certainly on this scale and to the Crossrail time frame.London Mayor Boris Johnson yesterday announced details of a new Crossrail Tunnelling Academy (CTA), the aim of which is to equip Londoners with the necessary skills needed to bore tunnels deep beneath the capital's streets. The CTA is likely to be based in Newham, once a suitable site has been sought and a structure built to house the students. Around 1,000 people are likely to gain a qualification as a result of studying at the CTA, which will open its doors next year for half a decade.
Mayor Johnson is allocating £8 million from TfL's funds to set-up the CTA, which will form the basis of what is now being called Europe's largest transport infrastructure project, creating around 14,000 jobs during construction, with a further 7,000 full-time positions required post-2015 to maintain the network. (GWB)
