Silvertown road tunnel wins government backing

by Pat Coughtrey , News Editor Tuesday, July 10, 2012
5:00 PM

A planned new tunnel under the Thames to ease the traffic squeeze in East London has been given government backing with the decision by Transport Secretary Justine Greening to designate the proposals a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’.

The proposed tunnel will run between Silvertown in the Royal Docks and the Greenwich peninsula to deal with 2,400 vehicles an hour in each direction, relieving pressure on existing tunnels at Blackwall and Rotherhithe.

The Silvertown Tunnel, as its named, is one of a number of new river crossings proposed by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

And the decision means the project will be subject to a legal process which could ultimately reduce the overall timescale to secure all necessary planning approvals.

Mr Greeening will have had to make his decision if it was in recognition of the significant impact the new crossing is designed to have on congestion in London and consequently on economic growth and development in the capital and across the UK as a whole.

It follows support by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his recent autumn statement and budget statement.

Transport for London will now take forward design and extensive consultation work.

Maror Johnson said the decision is a major step forward in his transport plans.

“I welcome the Secretary of State’s decision, which recognises the need for continued investment and the important role played by London’s transport network in supporting economic development and growth.”