"SB" wrote:
Crossrail searches disused east London tunnel for WWII bombs

The Connaught Tunnel was built in 1878 and runs under the Royal Docks

A disused tunnel under the Royal Docks in east London is being
searched by Crossrail for unexploded World War II bombs and devices.

The 550-metre Connaught Tunnel, which was built in 1878, is part of
the planned Crossrail route.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-16849396

BUT I have also read (Railway Mag. Feb 2012?) that the Connaught
Tunnel is too run down to be reused for Crossrail and that a new
tunnel will have to be bored.

Does anyone know?

Yes, the Connaught Tunnel will be reused for Crossrail, it just needs some
work done on it.

From the Crossrail website:
http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/tunnelling/tunnel-drives/connaught-tunnel

Excerpt:
---quote---
Reconstruction and refurbishment

Sections of the existing tunnel are in a poor structural condition. Around
100 metres of tunnel wall will be removed and replaced with a new tunnel
lining. The existing brick arches, part of the tunnel approaches, will be
retained and repaired.
---/quote---

Much more on that webpage.

Also, from September 2010, this London Reconnections piece:
http://www.londonreconnections.com/2010/down-in-the-dark-crossrail-the-connaught-tunnel-and-silvertown-station/