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.

Related Content

  • June 13, 2018
    Singapore plans changes to transit system
    Singapore has the third-highest population density in the world and the numbers are continuing to grow. The government knows that transit is vital: David Crawford investigates the city state’s Smart Nation strategy. Transport is the most important of the five domains identified as the pillars of Singapore's far-reaching Smart Nation strategy, launched in November 2014 by prime minister Lee Hsien Loong with the aim of reaching fulfilment by 2024. Roads account for 12% of the island republic's 719km2 land ar
  • October 31, 2016
    London borough partners TfL’s drive for safer roads
    The Royal Borough of Greenwich is partnering with Transport for London (TfL) to run a new consultation on changes to the West Parkside and Pilot Busway on Greenwich Peninsula. Residents are asked to help shape the final plan by submitting their views on the proposals. The proposals aim to create a dual carriageway with dedicated 24/7 bus lanes on either side of the central reservation and improve road safety. It also aims to keep journey times for bus passengers travelling to and from North Greenwich low
  • January 25, 2022
    Data helps Ohio DoT get grant money
    Ohio Department of Transportation turned to StreetLight Data when it needed to finalise grant money for a key infrastructure link. David Crawford sees how metrics brought in the cash…
  • July 16, 2015
    London to get more electric buses
    Transport for London (TfL) has announced that two further bus routes will operate entirely with electric buses from autumn next year, lowering carbon emissions and helping to improve London’s air quality. The five-year contract to operate the routes has been awarded to Go Ahead following a competitive tender process, and will mean that 51 electric buses will operate across the two routes that will become the second and third pure electric bus routes in the Capital. Go Ahead will confirm which manufactu