Transport Secretary Philip Hammond today visited what will be the first station of the exciting Crossrail project at Canary Wharf.

The Transport Secretary saw for himself visible evidence of the progress made in construction work over the last year. He was impressed at the approach to the work so far, applying innovative technology and construction techniques to drive down costs and reduce environmental impact.

Philip Hammond said:

“I came to visit the Crossrail project today to signal my intention to press ahead with the major improvements in our transport system that business and passengers need. The work being carried out at Canary Wharf is an excellent example of how this can be done in an innovative and efficient way, so that we get value for taxpayers’ money.

“We live in difficult economic times, but that does not mean that we should scrap big projects which would give the economy a vital boost in the future. But it does mean that we must ensure that every pound we invest is well spent. I am determined that this scheme remains affordable – Londoners, business and the taxpayer would expect nothing less.”

Mr Hammond met Crossrail Chairman Terry Morgan, Rob Holden, Crossrail Chief Executive, George Iacobescu, Chief Executive of Canary Wharf Group plc, Peter Anderson, Managing Director of Finance at Canary Wharf Group and Cliff Bryant, Chief Executive Director of Canary Wharf Contractors Limited, on his first official visit as Transport Secretary to a Crossrail construction site. The majority of works on the 74 mile route are due to be completed in 2017.