Mayor unveils plans to transform London with 13 new river crossings

Crossing: An artist's impression of the proposed London Garden Bridge
Hannah Al-Othman3 December 2015

London could be transformed by a series of new river crossings, if bold new plans to transform travel in the capital are given the green light.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson unveiled his vision for the future of the capital, with plans for 13 new tunnels and bridges, which would almost double the number of crossing available to pedestrians and cylists.

The plans would also see the total number of river crossings between Imperial Wharf and Dartford increased by more than a third.

The proposals were revealed in a new strategic plan, Connecting the Capital,which outlines how the proposed crossings, from Fulham in the west of the city to Dartford in the east end, will help to meet the needs of London’s rapidly growing population.

By 2030, 10 million people are expected to live in the capital.

Boris Johnson said: “Building a series of new bridges and tunnels across the Thames is essential for the future prosperity of our rapidly-growing city.

Interactive graphic: The planned new river crossings

"By creating more links between the north and south of the river, we won’t just improve day-to-day travelling across the Capital, we’ll unlock areas for development and create thousands of jobs and homes.

"From Fulham in the west to Dartford in the east, this is a vital package of crossings that will drive economic growth and get more people walking, cycling and on to public transport.”

The majority of the crossings will be built in east London, where current cross-river connections are poor, and population growth will be highest – with over one third of London’s total growth expected in the area.

The crossings will be built between now and 2050, if adequate funding is secured, with decisions yet to be made on whether the some crossings should be bridges or tunnels.

Plans: An artist's impression of the proposed Gallions Reach bridge
Transport for London

TfL has opened up a public consulation, asking for views on potential public transport links.

Richard de Cani, Managing Director for Planning at TfL, said: “With the Capital’s population rising rapidly and more much-needed housing being built, crossing the river will become ever more important.

"New cross-river connections can unlock opportunities for local people and help transform an area, supporting regeneration and development. We must progress plans for this package of crossings if we are to support London's growth and galvanise the economic potential it presents.”

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added: “London is growing eastwards and that means we need the right infrastructure to open-up new opportunities.

"Like the Mayor and TfL, we are eager to see new crossings to connect the businesses and communities north and south of the river to unlock potential growth. I encourage local businesses to get involved and make their views known.”

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