London's troubled Crossrail project set to open three years late and nearly £3bn over budget

London's troubled Crossrail project is set to open in Autumn 2021, according to Transport Commissioner Mike Brown.

The revised start date would make the £18.3bn scheme almost three years late and nearly £3bn over budget.

Direct trains linking Heathrow Airport with the City and Canary Wharf would be delayed until December 2022

Crossrail - to be known as the Elizabeth Line - was due to be opened by the Queen in 2018.

The original £15.4bn budget rose to £17.6bn. Crossrail bosses recently warned an extra £650m might be needed to complete the project.

The delay has also cost Transport for London an estimated £200m in loss income from fares.

Mr Brown warned unforeseen problems with the complex signalling system could cost more money and lead to further delays.

Mr Brown told London Assembly members he expects a progress update from Crossrail bosses on Thursday.