Star-crossed - the history of Crossrail

1992 Chancellor Norman Lamont slashes spending on infrastructure projects.

1993 John Major announces backing.

November 1993 Doubts as costs reach £2bn.

1994 Report says Crossrail "may be ahead of its time" and will not be justified until at least 2010.

1995 Costs rise to £2.6bn and project is put on ice.

2000 Mayor Ken Livingstone is given £3.2bn to spend on London transport.

2001 Study recommends construction begins on £4bn route from Heathrow to Stratford.

2003 Costs rise to £12bn and transport secretary Alistair Darling asks for more consultation.

2004 Mr Darling says a Bill should be presented to Parliament at "earliest opportunity".

2005 Crossrail Bill passes its second reading.

2007 Costs cut to £8.7bn.