Skip to main content

Mayor sets out bold vision for 13 new river crossings for London

A bold vision to transform cross-river travel in London has been unveiled by the Mayor of London. A total of 13 new tunnels and bridges have been proposed as part of the Mayor’s vision for the future of the Capital, increasing the total number of river crossings between Imperial Wharf and Dartford by more than a third, and the number for pedestrian and cyclists by nearly 50 per cent. The proposals, which would cater for both public transport and road users, are detailed in a new strategic plan that
December 4, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
A bold vision to transform cross-river travel in London has been unveiled by the Mayor of London.
 
A total of 13 new tunnels and bridges have been proposed as part of the Mayor’s vision for the future of the Capital, increasing the total number of river crossings between Imperial Wharf and Dartford by more than a third, and the number for pedestrian and cyclists by nearly 50 per cent.
 
The proposals, which would cater for both public transport and road users, are detailed in a new strategic plan that outlines how vital new cross-river transport links are in securing London’s future success.
 
The report, Connecting the Capital, shows how the proposed crossings will support the needs of London’s rapidly growing population, which is set to rise from 8.6 million now to 10 million by 2030.
 
Subject to funding, the new crossings will be progressed across London to be delivered between now and 2050. The majority will be in east London, where population growth will be highest – with over one third of London’s total population growth expected in the area.  Existing cross-river connections in east London are poor, with just three road crossings in the 23km between Tower Bridge and the M25, and just one bus route that crosses the river.
 
A consultation has been launched on two of the proposed crossings to improve connections between east and southeast London. 1466 Transport for London (TfL) is consulting on crossings at Gallions Reach to link Thamesmead and Beckton, and Belvedere, linking Belvedere to Rainham. Both are planned to include a range of transport options and the consultation is asking for views about potential public transport links.
UTC

Related Content

  • February 2, 2015
    Cycling in London grows by ten per cent
    London’s cycling revolution accelerated last year, with 2014 seeing new records for usage of the capital’s cycle hire scheme and overall cycling on the Transport for London (TfL) road network. Across the TfL road network, London’s main roads, cycling levels in quarter 3 of 2014/15 (14 September to 6 December) were ten per cent higher than in the same quarter the previous year and the highest since records began in 2000. It was the fifth record quarter in a row. By the end of 2014/15, TfL forecasts a 12 p
  • November 16, 2020
    Free-flow tolls for new £2bn Thames crossing
    More than 27 million drivers annually may use the planned Lower Thames Crossing near London
  • August 25, 2015
    New junction on London’s Cycle Superhighway offers safety measures for cyclists
    Britain’s first junction designed to avoid cyclists being hit by left-turning traffic is unveiled today, the beginning of a new wave of such junctions on London’s busiest main roads. Cyclists and turning motor traffic will move in separate phases, with left-turning vehicles held back to allow cyclists to move without risk, and cyclists held when vehicles are turning left. There will also be a new ‘two-stage right turn’ to let cyclists make right turns in safety. For straight-ahead traffic, early-release
  • September 1, 2016
    London’s new Cycle Superhighway given the green light
    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Transport for London (TfL) are to proceed with the North-South Cycle Superhighway to King’s Cross after majority support in the recent public consultation. The plans, which will also benefit pedestrians with wider pavements and more crossing points, were supported by 70 per cent of the public.