Crossrail experts to advise Israel on new Tel Aviv underground
Grant Shapps flew to Israel to confirm the project in which Crossrail International will provide consulting services for a new three-line underground with 109 stations
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Engineers from the Crossrail project in London are to advise Israeli officials on the new Tel Aviv metro.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps flew to Israel on Wednesday, where he met officials in Tel Aviv and signed a “memorandum of understanding” with the transport ministry.
Shapps said:”Today’s partnership ingrains our commitment for a global Britain, helping our world-leading rail industry to extend its expertise to friends oversees while unlocking fresh business opportunities to boost the UK economy.”
He will also say it is “a fantastic opportunity for our British engineers and advisers to share their ingenuity with Israel as they undertake their largest ever rail project.”
Shapps and Israeli Minister of Transportation and Road Safety Merav Michaeli MK, were photographed signing the deal.
She said:”I am confident that the know-how we have shared and the agreements we have signed will result in better transportation in both countries, and particularly greener, shared transport that the world needs so much as we face the climate crisis.
“These steps contribute to strengthening the relations between Israel and the United Kingdom and are a cornerstone of our important bilateral ties.
“This is how we are moving Israeli transport several steps forward.”
Matthew Salter, the UK’s trade attaché to Israel told The Times:”It is very gratifying to see a British company win such a significant advisory role in Israel.
“We are confident Crossrail International will help in many aspects of the complex metro project across all the various challenges it will face… making a significant difference to improving the lives of Israeli citizens.”
Today I've signed a partnership with my Israeli counterpart @MeravMichaeli together with our team from @Crossrail International to share expertise on rail projects???????? as #Israel builds out their £33bn Tel Aviv metro. ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/bgiiHxIeCo
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) August 24, 2022
It will be confirmed that engineers from Crossrail International, will provide consulting services for a new £33 billion, three-line underground with 90 miles of tracks and 109 stations.
The Department of Transport said the company, which they own, will provide advice on design and environmentalism.
Crossrail was responsible for the new Elizabeth Line in London, which opened in May, after a three year long delay and a massive budget increase.
The government is hopeful that the Tel Aviv project will boost the UK’s image as an engineering force.
UK Ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan: “This project is yet another example of the great relationship between the UK and Israel and a testimony to our commitment to continue expanding our partnership.”
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