Following six months of development, Crossrail today took a further step forward in delivering new rail routes for London and the South East, by agreeing a list of options for Crossrail line 1.

This shortlist is based on the core route for Crossrail line 1 running from Heathrow to Paddington, then to Liverpool Street with branches to Stratford and to the Isle of Dogs.

West of London, the shortlist includes lines to Reading, Aylesbury and Watford Junction. To the east, the shortlist includes lines to Shenfield and Ebbsfleet.

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Sir Christopher Benson, chairman of Cross London Rail Links Limited (Crossrail), told ePolitix.com: "We have now embarked on a further period of examination to develop the Business Case for Crossrail line 1, which will incorporate the transport, economic, social and environmental benefits and costs. The significant progress made to reach this stage in such a short period of time is a tribute to the hard work, determination and expertise of the Crossrail team."