An independent financial report on the spiralling costs of Crossrail has found the project, which now looks likely to be delayed for almost a year, is costing £30m a week.
Modelling shows around £725m could be spent by March this year, the accountants KPMG found in their report.
The news adds to the pressure on London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has been drawn into a bitter dispute with the ousted former Crossrail chairman, Sir Terry Morgan, over when the likely delays became apparent.
'Demobilisation of main contractor and supply chain resources must be achieved to reduce significantly the current expenditure rate of approaching £30m per week,' the report states.
'It is imperative that a comprehensive station and systems integration programme is developed and put in place at the earliest opportunity,' it adds.
The report confirms previous statements that the likely capital cost impact of the delay to the project could be in the region of between £1.6bn and £2bn, pushing the final cost up to around £14.5 to £15bn.
Chair of the budget and performance committee, Gareth Bacon AM, said: 'A weekly figure of £30m is eye-watering, especially as Londoners are likely to be footing the bill.
'The report also finds that Crossrail did not intend to prepare a business plan for 2019/2020 and that its finance department does not have enough resource to take financial control until the end of the project.
'Crossrail must get a grip on its finances and be transparent in the process. The Budget and Performance Committee recently called for Crossrail to hold board meetings in public. There is not an endless supply of money to keep bailing Crossrail out.'
Chair of the Transport Committee, Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, said: 'Given the evidence of past management failings, the lack of transparency across the Crossrail project needs to be addressed urgently.
'Londoners need to be reassured that public money is being spent wisely. We are in no doubt that this will be a fantastic piece of engineering that will benefit passengers once up and running. But the constant bad news coming from the Crossrail camp on how it’s being run has become a stain on its reputation.'
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
