PLANS for a new bridge or tunnel crossing the Thames at Silvertown in East London are being looked at against by Boris Johnson. Early results of a study by City Hall Transport bosses recommend further feasibility work’ on projects including Silvertown and modernising the Woolwich ferry
PLANS for a new bridge or tunnel crossing the Thames at Silvertown in East London are being looked at against by Boris Johnson.
Early results of a study by City Hall Transport bosses recommend further feasibility work’ on projects including Silvertown and modernising the Woolwich ferry.
Measures are needed to improve links along the river, the East London River Crossings Review concludes.
The possibility of a tunnel or bridge at Silvertown is suggested, along with a pedestrian and cycle bridge between Canary Wharf and North Greenwich and upgrading passenger ferry services at Woolwich.
NEW FERRY
The study carried out for the London Mayor also suggests a new ferry crossing at Gallions Reach near Beckton.
“Anyone who tries crossing the Thames in East London knows the congestion it causes,” he said.
“People and businesses in this part of London deserve better.”
The Mayor scrapped plans last year for the proposed Thames Gateway’ bridge at Beckton, three miles downstream from Silvertown, which was “no longer an option” due to concerns over impact on East London’s traffic and having been rejected by the Government planning inspector.
Boris then asked transport planners to find alternative options to solve congestion around the notorious A12 Blackwall Tunnel, the Isle of Dogs and North Greenwich peninsular and look at the need to boost employment.
ECONOMY
East London’s former dockland economy has changed since developments like Canary Wharf, Excel and the 02 centre, City Hall observes.
Opportunities for travelling to the new destinations from south of the river such as Greenwich and Bexley are severely restricted.
Options for new crossings east of Tower Bridge have improved with the London Underground’s Jubilee Line extension from Westminster to Canary Wharf and Stratford, as well as the DLR expansion to London City airport.
The East London Line extension opening in 2010 from Whitechapel northward to Dalston and southward from New Cross to Croydon as well as Crossrail opening in 2017 will be a shot in the arm for public transport.
But improvements are badly needed, say planners, for vehicle traffic crossing the Thames.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here