Jubilee Line closures 'to last until 2010'

from BBC London (online) 25 August 2009

Delays to work on a London Underground line which could postpone completion until 2010 have been called "unacceptable" by London's mayor.

Underground maintenance company Tube Lines and contractor Bechtel have been closing the Jubilee Line on weekends since February 2007 to carry out work.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: "Tube Lines must get its act together - I am hugely frustrated at their progress to date."

Tube Lines said they believed the work could finish as planned in December.

But Mr Johnson continued: "Tube Lines' hunger for more Jubilee Line closures has stretched the patience of Londoners and business almost to breaking point.

"It is simply unacceptable.

"Before we can consider anymore disruption, we must have confidence they will deliver."

London Underground managing director Richard Parry said: "Regrettably we now harbour grave doubts over Tube Lines' and Bechtel's ability to deliver the upgrade of the Jubilee line by the end of December, which they are contracted to do.

"It is now vital they independently review their programme so they can present us with a credible path to delivery as soon as possible.

"Their reputation hinges upon meeting this commitment to delivery."

A Tube Lines spokeswoman said: "We still believe we can deliver this vital but hugely complex project on time.

"We are asking for just five more days of access over the next four months.

"We could then deliver the benefits to passengers this major upgrade will bring on time."

Tube Lines was given a 30-year contract to run the Tube along with Metronet, under the terms of a public private partnership agreement.

Metronet went into administration in 2007 after financial difficulties.