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Monday 18 May 2009

CROSSRAIL GETS A BOOST AS NETWORK RAIL MAN JOINS TEAM

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National

Network Rail today announced that Andrew Mitchell, programme director for its £5.5bn congestion-busting Thameslink Programme, will join Crossrail Limited later this year. He will take up a new position as the board level programme director for the multi-billion rail scheme.

Mr Mitchell leaves as Network Rail completes its planning and preparatory work for the Thameslink Programme and moves towards major construction at locations like Blackfriars, London Farringdon and around London Bridge.

Key milestones already achieved include:

· Securing the necessary funding and consents.

· Improved connections to and from Europe by opening a new Thameslink station at St Pancras International

· Completion of platform extensions at Luton Airport Parkway, as part of a programme to lengthen the trains serving many stations on the route by 2012

· A new, larger footbridge and extra entrance to relieve station congestion at Farringdon station (the meeting point for future Thameslink and Crossrail services); and

· Delivery of a new timetable on 23rd March 2009 that has simplified the rail route through central London with almost double the number of trains travelling in each direction every hour (from eight to 15).

Network Rail’s infrastructure investment director, Simon Kirby commented: "I would like to wish Andy well in his new position and thank him for his contribution to Network Rail’s success in recent years."

Mr Mitchell will continue to lead Network Rail’s Thameslink Programme until a successor is appointed. Network Rail is currently discussing with Crossrail Limited the arrangements for a smooth transition.

Mr Kirby concluded: "This announcement is good news for Network Rail’s long term relationships across London. I look forward to working with partners in the capital as we complete a massive investment programme over the next few years, including £2.3bn towards the delivery of Crossrail."