Network Rail has submitted detailed costs and plans for the extensive civil engineering work to integrate Crossrail into the main network.

Network Rail said: “Extensive modeling and planning has gone into the submission, and cost savings have been identified in areas such as quicker ways to build parts of the scheme.”

Network Rail is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the parts of Crossrail that are on the existing network.

Work includes upgrading 70km of track, redeveloping 28 stations, and renewing 15 bridges.

Network Rail has already made a start on Crossrail works at Paddington and Farringdon stations.

Robbie Burns, programme director, Network Rail, said: “We have delivered what we believe is an affordable costs package to Crossrail for the surface works, on time and under budget.

“Value for money is a key element of the Network Rail submission and we have worked closely with Crossrail to make that so. Network Rail will continue to work with Crossrail so that the surface works are as cost effective as possible.”

Rob Holden, Crossrail chief executive added: “Crossrail continues to make significant progress with work now underway at Bond Street, Canary Wharf, Farringdon, Paddington and Tottenham Court Road.

“Crossrail is not just about building new tunnels and stations but also involves a major upgrade to the existing rail network. Network Rail’s costs for surface works will be a key component of Crossrail’s updated delivery cost submission to government and Transport for London as project sponsors later this year.”

Crossrail will now evaluate the submission and report back to Network Rail by 31 December.