New river crossings could spell end for Woolwich Ferry
There is a “pressing need” for a new road crossing of the Thames at Silvertown, according to London Mayor Boris Johnson.
He has backed plans for the so-called Silvertown Link, but says Transport for London does not have the cash to go ahead with construction.
In a series of written answer to London Assembly members, Mayor Johnson also suggested the Woolwich Ferry could be axed.
He said the 122-year-old service could be replaced with a new ferry from Gallions Reach, along the route of the scrapped Thames Gateway bridge.
He also refused to rule out introducing tolls for the planned Silvertown road crossing — which could be a bridge or a tunnel — if it becomes a reality.
He was challenged on his plans for new river crossings east of Tower Bridge by assembly members James Cleverly and Len Duvall at Mayor’s Question Time.
In a written answer to Mr Cleverly he said: “There is a pressing need to provide an additional road crossing at Silvertown to provide greater resilience to the road network and support longer term growth of the surrounding area.
Most Read
- 1 Stratford roof-terrace restaurant destroyed by late-night fire
- 2 Homes under the Planner: Applications lodged and approved in Newham
- 3 Girl, 17, held on suspicion of terrorism offences after east London arrest
- 4 The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee flypast: Where, and when, the planes will fly over north and east London
- 5 Moyes gives warning after West Ham miss out on Europa League
- 6 Man dies after falling unwell in Stratford
- 7 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: Street parties and road closures in Newham
- 8 Man charged with fatal stabbing of woman in Custom House
- 9 Man held in murder probe after woman fatally stabbed in Custom House
- 10 'Unexplained': Man dies after being found unresponsive in Plashet Park
“Although there is some development funding, there is no funding in TfL’s budget for building a new crossing at Silvertown and I have asked TfL to explore a number of options for how this could be funded.”
Responding to Mr Duvall, Mayor Johnson also hinted the Thames Gateway bridge may go ahead in the longer term.
He said: “I have asked TfL to come forward with detailed proposals to improve connectivity further east at Gallions Reach through a new crossing, which could be in the form of a new vehicle ferry as a replacement to the Woolwich Ferry, retaining longer term potential for a bridge in this location provided the problems with previous proposals have been addressed.”
He said he would make further announcements on his plans shortly.