Cross rail. Yes there were problems, but now it is nearly complete.
Crossrail - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The concept of large-diameter railway tunnels crossing central London to connect Paddington and Liverpool Street main-line stations was proposed by railwayman George Dow in the London newspaper The Star in June 1941.
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It is due to begin full operation in 2018
One day it will perhaps connect you to the great eastern airport from your rural retreat?
I don't think I mentioned 'rural', I have always lived in a town, or within 12 minutes of a London bound railway station. Never rural.
Infrastructure never gets any cheaper.
Indeed, which is why LHR should have been expanded 30 years ago.