Mayor sets out plans for new river crossings in London

The Mayor of London – Boris Johnson – has set out plans to transform cross-river travel in the capital with 13 new tunnels and bridges proposed.

This would increase the total number of river crossings between Imperial Wharf and Dartford by more than a third, and the number for pedestrians and cyclists by nearly 50%.

The proposals, which would cater for both public transport and road users, are detailed in a new strategic plan that outlines how vital new cross-river transport links are in securing London’s future success.

The report, Connecting the Capital, shows how the proposed crossings, from Fulham in the west to Dartford in the east, will support the needs of London’s rapidly growing population, which is set to rise from 8.6 million now to 10 million by 2030.

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

Subject to funding, the new crossings will be progressed across London to be delivered between now and 2050.