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Crossrail is due to open in “autumn 2021”, the head of Transport for London revealed today.

TfL commissioner Mike Brown confirmed the latest date - which is almost three years later than first planned - in evidence to the London Assembly.

The autumn 2021 date relates to the opening of the central section of the line, which will run via twin tunnels under the West End and initially connect Paddington with Liverpool Street and Abbey Wood.

Through-trains to Heathrow Airport are not due to start running until December 2022, though a Heathrow to Paddington service will start sooner.

Trains to and from Shenfield are due to run through the tunnel by May 2022, Mr Brown said. They currently run to and from Liverpool Street.

Monday's announcement confirms Crossrail’s most recent plans to open the central section in 2021.

The Crossrail board meets on Thursday, when a more precise opening “window” is likely to be made public.

TfL had been at risk of being forced to pay damages to Canary Wharf Group if a Crossrail link between Canary Wharf and Heathrow were not completed by December 2021.

Mr Brown on Monday revealed that a confidential deal had been struck with Canary Wharf Group that removed the risk of TfL facing a pay-out.

A TfL spokesperson told the Standard: “The Crossrail team continues to make progress completing the railway and is moving forward with the complex testing of the signalling and train systems so that the railway can be handed over safely and reliably for passenger service.

"As Crossrail Ltd previously announced, the Elizabeth line will open as soon as practically possible in 2021.

“As part of our annual business planning process, we have made some prudent assumptions including that the central section of the railway could open in autumn 2021, but continue to support Crossrail Ltd in delivering the railway as soon as possible.

"Crossrail Ltd continue to refine their delivery schedule and will provide an update in the coming weeks.”

Crossrail is £3.4 billion over budget, taking its cost to £18.25 billion, after major problems completing stations and integrating new signalling systems on the tracks and trains.

The 73-mile line, which extends to Reading in the west and will be known as the Elizabeth line, was originally meant to have opened by the Queen in December 2018.