Royal Greenwich Welcomes New River Crossings Announcement By Mayor of London

by our RBG Correspondent in Woolwich

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has welcomed the announcement today (4 October) by the Mayor of London on a raft of proposals for new river crossings in the capital while continuing to call for a new bridge at Gallions Reach to ease congestion.

The plans announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan include:

- A series of enhancements to be made to the proposals for Silvertown Tunnel to make it greener and more public transport-focused, and exploring further benefits for local residents who use the tunnel

- A DLR crossing at Gallions Reach, helping support development of around 17,000 new homes across Newham and the Royal Borough of Greenwich

- Further assessment work for a Barking Riverside-Abbey Wood London Overground crossing

- Further assessment of a North Greenwich-Isle of Dogs ferry, supporting new development on the Greenwich Peninsula and the Isle of Dogs.

* Cllr Olu Babatola, John Lewis, Council Leader Denise Hyland,
Cllr Averil Lekau, and Cllr Sizwe James show the logo for the
new river crossing planned for Thamesmead. (Credit: RBG).

Speaking today (4 October) Cllr Denise Hyland, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, (top) said: “It is vital that more infrastructure is put in place to keep the city – and our borough - moving. Above all, though, is the need to ensure these plans are as ‘green’ as possible so that air quality in the borough actually improves."

“Residents and businesses of East and South East London have been disadvantaged for too long by the lack of river crossings which has stifled growth and development of areas such as Thamesmead and restricted employment and business opportunities broader afield. Between Central London and the M25 heading west there are 25 bridges crossing the River Thames, however, from Tower Bridge to Dartford, there are just two crossings and the limited Woolwich Free Ferry."

“We have long argued that a package of crossings with integrated public transport, that does not impact on air quality or the environment, is essential. We are delighted that the Mayor has given a commitment to build greener, public transport focused river crossings over the next 5 to 10 years.

“We understand that the Mayor will set out his thoughts for vehicular crossings to support the package he has announced today within a new Mayor’s Transport Strategy. This is very welcome. There remains a need for further tunnels or bridges, with integrated public transport, to ensure that the growth and development which will flow from today’s announcements is sustained.

“Along with other local partners, Thamesmead is undergoing huge regeneration with a new Housing Zone that will deliver new homes and it is vital we have the transport infrastructure in place to ensure its success.

“It is good to hear that plans for the Silvertown tunnel will now at last be progressed – we urgently need a solution to the issues around traffic delays, noise and pollution around Blackwall Tunnel that affect so many in our borough and for people who use the tunnel on a regular basis. 

“The proposed changes to the proposals for Silvertown Tunnel are also welcome. They address many of the Royal Borough’s concerns about TfL’s original proposals. The new tunnel must be built and operated in a way that causes least impact on the environment. The new proposals will improve the original schemes. The Royal Borough looks forward to working with TfL through the Public Examination to ensure the best outcomes for users of the new tunnel and those living and working close by. We are also very keen to hear the detail on the ‘green’ elements, such as the bespoke free cycle shuttle bus for residents through the new tunnel.

“We are also really pleased with the Mayor’s commitment to assist with cross-river movements for cyclist and pedestrians. Great progress has been made in establishing good quality cycle and walking routes in this part of London but crossing the river has always been problematic. The construction of a new bridge from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf will be more challenging to deliver than a ferry from North Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs but both will make a real difference to cyclists and pedestrians seeking to make short journeys in the most sustainable ways.

“Royal Greenwich is ‘open for business’ and we need viable long term solutions to a problem which has long held back economic growth in this part of London – solutions that benefit residents and businesses alike.”

Speaking about the DLR proposals, Teresa Pearce MP, said: “I have long called for improved public transport and I welcome today’s announcement from the Mayor to bring the DLR to Thamesmead which will encourage growth, reduce travel times and expand opportunities. This finally fulfils the promise made 50 years ago to Thamesmead and will be a game changer for residents. " 

John Lewis, Peabody Executive Director Thamesmead said: “Today’s announcement of a DLR extension to Thamesmead will enable Peabody and our partners to deliver 11,500 more new homes within a new affordable riverside community at North Thamesmead. It will provide fantastic transport links for the existing community, attract new businesses to the area, create a vibrant town centre and drive the economy in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. As London's new town, Thamesmead is an area of outstanding potential and with a DLR station will become one of London’s most desirable areas to live, work and visit.“

For further information or to request an interview, please contact: Zoe Davies, Communications Officer, on 020 8921 6515 or media.desk@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

* Cllr Sizwe James and Cllr Denise Hyland welcome news of the
new DLR link to Thamesmead. (Credit: RBG)

* John Lewis Executive Director Thamesmead at Peabody and
Cllr Denise Hyland welcome news of the new DLR link to
Thamesmead. (Credit: RBG).