The £15 billion Crossrail railway being built underneath London is to be named the Elizabeth line, it has been announced.

The Queen visited the Crossrail station, which is currently under construction, at Bond Street yesterday, 23 February as the Mayor of London Boris Johnson revealed the line will be renamed in her honour.

A commemorative Elizabeth roundel was also presented to Her Majesty as she was given a tour of the facility alongside various politicians, senior figures, employees, engineers and executives.

-- Advertisement --

The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP said: "Given Her Majesty the Queen's long association with UK transport, it is very fitting that this vital link across our capital will be named the Elizabeth Line in her honour.

"This is an example of British engineering at its best and will transform the way people travel across London and beyond from 2018, bringing better and faster journeys, while boosting jobs and driving economic growth."

Terry Morgan, Chairman, Crossrail, added: "Construction for the new railway is now over 70% complete and is being delivered on time and within budget.

"The Crossrail project is one of the most ambitious and complex infrastructure programmes ever undertaken in the UK, the scale of engineering being delivered under the capital is quite incredible.

"The opening of the Elizabeth line in 2018 will be a significant moment for London."

(LM)