The Chief Executive of Crossrail, Andrew Wolstenholme OBE, is to step down from his position.

Mr Wolstenholme is leaving after seven years at the helm and will be replaced by Programme Director Simon Wright OBE, who will lead in a combined role as Chief Executive & Programme Director.

Sir Terry Morgan CBE, Chairman, said: "Construction of the Elizabeth line has entered its final stages and during the coming year we will be handing over the completed assets to Transport for London, who will lead the final testing and commissioning phase ahead of the railway's opening in December.

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"I would like to thank Andrew Wolstenholme for the phenomenal contribution he has made to the Crossrail project over the last seven years. Andrew has overseen the project's major construction phase including 42km of new tunnels, ten new stations and the installation of systems that will support the operation of the new railway. He has steered the project with a relentless focus on safety and in a way that delivers wider benefits to the UK in innovation, skills and environmental performance.

"Andrew leaves the team well placed to finish the remaining construction activity and commence infrastructure testing to finish the job, ahead of the opening of the Elizabeth line."

Construction and fit-out of the new Elizabeth line stations and tunnels by Crossrail is nearing completion. From summer, Crossrail will begin handing over the completed infrastructure to Transport for London for operational testing, ahead of the TfL-run railway opening in December 2018.

While final finishes and commissioning work will continue through to autumn at some sites, the Crossrail project in the central section will be substantively complete.

Image: Andrew Wolstenholme OBE

(LM/MH)