Work set to begin on Crossrail on Monday

Europe's largest civil engineering project is due to arrive in Maidenhead on Monday when Crossrail begins its first phase of work in the town.

Workmen will start building accommodation for railway workers, offices and a stabling area for six high-speed trains behind the railway station.

This will be followed by track work in spring 2013 and improvements to the railway station - including extending the platforms - in 2014 and 2016.

The Royal Borough, which has little direct involvement, is considering developing the station forecourt into a 'transport interchange'.

Nine businesses based at Silco Drive Business Park, behind the station, were forced to make way for Crossrail by Saturday.

Among the firms to move is Berkshire Land Rover, which was last week granted permission to set up shop in Stafferton Way.

It will be based on the site of the old Mini garage which was torn down last year following a huge fire.

Crossrail, which is costing the Government about £15 billion, is due to open in 2018.

It will enable Maidenhead passengers to reach Heathrow in 28 minutes, Tottenham Court Road in 42 minutes, Stratford in 55 minutes and Shenfield, Essex, in 90 minutes.

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