The new Crossrail transport link project is unlikely to be completed on schedule, according to electricians working on the project.

Professionals involved in the work have told the Construction Enquirer that a lack of available skills and suboptimal working conditions are likely to mean the £14.8 billion route will not be ready in time for its planned 2018 opening.

Key issues include the fact that the laying of the permanent track is only half-done, despite expectations this would be done by Christmas - an issue that could have considerable knock-on effects.

The remoteness of some of the work sites is also causing problems, with one electrician citing a need to walk for an hour to access toilet facilities in some areas. Meanwhile, a lack of qualified workers is also causing consternation.

As such, the 500-strong team of mechanical and electrical engineering workers are seeking an extra £10 an hour on top of their current wages for the remaining 70 weeks on the schedule in order to complete the job, which is estimated to be around 75 per cent complete.

Despite this, a Crossrail spokesperson said: "Our contractors remain confident that they and their supply chains have the skills and resources in place to continue the successful delivery of the project."