It was almost two years late and £1bn overbudget, but the Jubilee Line Extension was finally completed when Westminster Station opened in time for the new year’s celebrations.
The Michael Hopkins and Partners-designed station opened on 22 December, in time to take VIPs to the Millennium Dome.
The opening also ensured that US troubleshooter Bechtel will receive its £10m bonus for completing the line before 2000. Bechtel declined to comment on this.
Chris Raven, the project director for the line’s M&E contractor Drake & Scull, has been involved with the project for six years. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to successfully deliver all the stations in time.”
London Transport chief executive Dennis Tunnicliffe, who appeared before a parliamentary select committee to respond to criticisms over delays, added: “It is wonderful to have the final piece open.”
