Detailed plans for the proposed Silvertown tunnel have been released, showing how the new river crossing could fit into east London’s landscape.
With 10 million people expected to be calling London their home by 2030, a new river crossing needs to be built to accommodate the rise in population.
The Silvertown tunnel would link the Royal Docks with the Greenwich Peninsula, relieving pressure on the Blackwall tunnel and the M25 crossing in the process.
Ahead of the consultation period, which starts tomorrow and runs until December 19, the Mayor of London said: “The Silvertown Tunnel would provide a vital new link beneath the Thames from two of our city’s great opportunity areas for new homes and jobs - Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.
“Unless new river crossings are provided, the huge growth potential of east London will not be realised, which is why I have asked TfL to also take forward further work on two new river crossings to the east of the Silvertown tunnel at Gallions Reach and Belvedere.
“These new crossings will be essential not just for east London, but for the capital as a whole and its continued success as the motor of the UK economy.”
The images show the proposed location for a crossing between Gallions Reach and Thamesmead, and another between Rainham and Belvedere.
But the plans haven’t been received well by everyone.
London Assembly Member Darren Johnson expressed his concern that the Silvertown tunnel will increase congestion and pollution in parts of Newham, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets.
He said: “Instead of building new roads which will generate more traffic, the Mayor should be thinking about extra public transport links.
“London has been growing at the rate of a 100,000 extra people a year for over a decade now, but car traffic has declined by 1% a year during that time.
“We have kept London moving by increasing capacity on public transport and encouraging people to walk, or cycle more. We need to build on that record of success.”
His sentiments were echoed by Darryl Chamberlain of campaign group No to Silvertown, who described the tunnel as “toxic”.
He said: “There’s already a body of evidence about road-building that points to the Silvertown Tunnel causing worse queues, worse congestion, and making life miserable for residents on both sides of the Thames.
“This is the traffic equivalent of moving the deckchairs on the Titanic. Transport for London is deluded if it thinks the Silvertown Tunnel will cure congestion. There’s nothing in this for locals – it’ll just encourage Kent car commuters to drive to Canary Wharf.”
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