Since February 2012, Transport for London have been consulting on proposed new crossings to the east of Tower Bridge. But what exactly is proposed?
Transport for London propose a number of road building schemes to link east and southeast London. Details of the schemes have emerged through a series of consultations. The new roads are sometimes presented as a package of measures, but each requires separate planning consent and funding. They are proposed for completion between 2022 and 2030. The total cost estimate for these projects is £2.25 billion. The projects are detailed here in order of their immediacy.
Silvertown Tunnel
The Silvertown Tunnel is a proposed new twin-bore four lane road tunnel under the River Thames between the Royal Docks in Newham and the Greenwich Peninsula. The southern portal would be adjacent to the existing Blackwall Tunnel, sharing the approach road from the south. The proposed northern portal would be at a junction with Silvertown Way and Lower Lea Crossing. It is the most advanced proposal. It has been the subject of three consultations, with a further consultation expected during 2015. It is the only proposal to have nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) status, which ensures a fast-track planning process. The cost of the scheme is estimated to be £750 million and it could be completed by 2022.
Find out more about the responses to this scheme
Gallions Reach Crossing
The Gallions Reach Crossing is a proposed new road bridge over the River Thames between Gallions Reach in Newham and Thamesmead in Greenwich. In earlier consultations it was alternatively proposed as a vehicle ferry. It is the second most advanced proposal and has also been the subject of three consultations, with a further consultation expected during 2015. The Gallions Reach Crossing has been proposed before as the Thames Gateway Bridge, a scheme that was withdrawn in 2008. The cost of the new scheme is estimated to be £600 million and it could be completed by 2025.
Find out more about the responses to this scheme
Belvedere Crossing
The Belvedere Crossing is a proposed new road bridge or tunnel across the River Thames between Rainham in Havering and Belvedere in Bexley. This is the least advanced proposal and has been the subject of one consultation to date, with a further consultation expected during 2015. The cost of the scheme is estimated to be £900 million and it could be completed by 2030.
Other proposals
The proposals have also included potential modification of the Woolwich Ferry service, including possible closure. Just to the east and outside London, a Lower Thames Crossing is proposed by Highways England.
Get the consultation reports
Transport for London have revealed their proposals in four consultations to date:
- Consultation 1: Gallions Reach Crossing and Silvertown Tunnel, February to March 2012 (reporting in July 2012)
- Consultation 2: Gallions Reach Crossing and Silvetown Tunnel, October 2012 to February 2013 (reporting in April 2013)
- Consultation 3: Gallions Reach Crossing and Belvedere Bridge, July to September 2014 (reporting in October 2014)
- Consultation 4: Silvertown Tunnel, October to December 2014 (reporting in March 2015)