River Crossings: Informal Public Consultation

Transport for London has launched an informal public consultation asking for views on a proposed package of additional river crossings in east and southeast London. The consultation, which is primarily web-based, will be open for four weeks from 6 February to 5 March 2012. 

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The consultation material sets out the need for the proposed new crossings in terms of current capacity, the resilience of the road network and the future growth of the surrounding area. This will be the first step of a detailed process of developing and consulting on the proposals. 

The proposed package comprises: 

• A new road tunnel at Silvertown connecting the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks. This would relieve congestion at the Blackwall tunnel and help unlock future growth of the surrounding area. Earliest delivery date: 2021.
  
• A new vehicle ferry at Gallions Reach between Beckton and Thamesmead. This would improve connectivity and access to the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone and could replace the ageing Woolwich Ferry. Earliest delivery date: 2017.
  

These road proposals form part of a broader package which includes investment in a number of new rail crossings and pedestrian/cycling links to ensure there is a balanced package of crossings to meet the needs of the surrounding area. Crossrail, currently under construction and due to open by 2018, will provide a further rail crossing between the Royal Docks and Woolwich. The Emirates Air Line, which will be open by summer 2012, will provide a new pedestrian and cycle link across the river.

The website address for the consultation is www.tfl.gov.uk/rivercrossings.